The commission set a set of conditions for returning Zai, a nine-month-old golden retriever impounded by St. Joseph County Animal Control on Feb. 19, after neighborhood complaints and repeated running-at-large reports.

Owner Frederick Schultz said Zai had been energetic and that the household had not fully appreciated weather or confinement risks. Animal-control staff said the animal had been impounded on Feb. 19 and that neighbors documented repeated incidents and had provided time-stamped photos and reports. Staff also reported that the owners had previously obtained a public-nuisance permit but that, after additional incidents, the permit had been revoked and the dog impounded.

Commissioners outlined specific steps the Schultz family must take to have Zai returned. The requirements include neutering within two months, daily placement at a doggy daycare while the primary caregiver is at work (the daycare is on the owner’s commute route and had been discussed as an option), establishing an obedience-training program within two months and completing training within six months, and building an escape‑proof perimeter fence; once the fence passes inspection by animal-control staff, the daycare requirement may be lifted. During the interim and whenever Zai is not inside an approved enclosure, Zai must be on a leash handled by an adult physically capable of controlling the dog.

Commissioners said failure to comply or further running-at-large incidents could lead to an upgrade to a dangerous-animal designation and continued impoundment. Staff said they had been in contact with the family and that Frederick had visited the shelter several times to see Zai.