A Kosciusko County animal control officer did NOT break the law when he shot a dog last month in Etna Green.

That ruling from the Indiana State Police means Jerry Clase will not face criminal charges for the shooting that happened on June 19.

The Times-Union says the owner of the dog has not decided whether to file a civil lawsuit against Clase. She claims the officer stole her 14-year-old dog and shot it while she was at work. Her landlord says animal control asked to be let into the home because the dog was suffering.

County commissioners are working on an ordinance to make certain that pet owners are always contacted before their animal is euthanized.