Halifax County is seeking restitution for the care of 17 dogs seized in an alleged fighting ring on Stack Powell Road last month.

The order, signed by Chief District Court Judge Brenda Branch last Wednesday, seeks $5,841.78 from the defendants in the case — Erica Powell Gary; her son, Zhaqwaun Gary and her husband, Elton Gary, each who have been charged dogfighting or baiting, and owning, possessing or training a dog with the intent to engage in dogfighting or baiting.

The order says at the time of the arrests the dogs were seized by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and placed in the care and custody of the Halifax County Animal Shelter where they remain. “The court finds that given the nature of the charges against the defendants it is necessary for these dogs to remain in the Halifax County Animal Shelter pending disposition of the criminal charges,” the order says.

(The complete order can be found as a PDF attachment file at the end of this story)

As of the signing of the order last week, the dogs had been in the shelter for 38 days and incurred expenses for food, care and shelter.

The 38-day cost of food is $4.50 per day. That figure equates to $171. The cost of county labor per day is $58.32. That figure equates to $2,216.16. The veterinary bill is $1,468.05.

The estimated future cost of care, a figure that includes food and labor, for the seized animals is $62.82 per day.

In addition, the dogs will need rabies vaccinations at a cost of $328. “The seized animals will require additional veterinary treatment which has not been determined at this time,” the order says.

The $5,841.78, is an amount deemed sufficient to secure payment of the reasonable expenses already incurred by the county and which will be incurred in caring and providing for these animals for the next 30 days, including required rabies vaccinations and necessary veterinary care, according to the order.

The Garys are required to make a $1,884.60 payment after every 30 days for as long as the case remains in litigation, the order says.

The Garys were supposed to deposit the funds five days from receiving the order or five days from the end of any successive 30-day period or risk forfeiture of the animals to the county.

As of today, the Garys had not made any payments, Clerk of Court Becky Spragins said.

A phone number for Mrs. Gary was listed as disconnected.