A sex offender check Tuesday in Scotland Neck uncovered a malnourished dog chained outside as well as marijuana paraphernalia.

Sergeant C.E. Carroll of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at a residence on Roanoke Street for the purpose of the sex offender check, according to Captain Anzell Harris.

During the search he reportedly discovered several items of paraphernalia including digital scales, two boxes of sandwich bags, a pack of Cigarillos and a glass jar that contained marijuana residue.

A dog in the backyard was found malnourished.

The dog, a pit bull, Harris said, was 15 pounds underweight, weighing approximately 36 pounds.

Halifax County Animal Control Officer D. Turner assisted in the matter and took the animal into the care of the county.

Carroll cited Gwendolyn Fenner, 53, with a county ordinance for mistreatment of animals, failure to provide adequate water to an animal and failure to supply an animal with medical attention.

Lamar Alston, 36, was also cited with the animal violations as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. Fenner and Alston were both given March 4 court dates.