The St. Joseph County Animal Patrol Commission imposed conditions on two dogs owned by James Aders (recorded as James Adderz in the file) of Mishawaka after multiple complaints about dogs running at large and a documented attack on another animal.

Aders, a retired police officer, told commissioners he had taken progressive steps—shock collars, an electric invisible fence and later new wire—after his dogs repeatedly jumped a section of yard fencing. He said a failure in the invisible fence on the day of the incident allowed the dogs to get loose. He described efforts to repair the invisible system and to change the household routine to release dogs from a back entrance rather than the front to avoid contact with passersby.

Animal-control staff told the commission the agency had progressive complaints at the address dating back to 2019, with reports in 2022 and 2024 as well as the November incident that led to the appeal. Commissioners heard from neighbors who said dogs had charged and barked at children and adults in yards.

The commission voted to place the dogs on probation for one year and ordered that a six-foot privacy fence be constructed within two months. Until the fence is completed and inspected by animal-control staff, any time the dogs are outside of an enclosed area they must be on a "man leash" (an adult physically handling the leash). The commission also instructed staff to provide written follow-up outlining the requirements and inspection process.

Commissioners said the fence was intended to be escape-proof; Aders said he planned to build the fence himself. The commission warned that continued running at large could lead to an upgraded dangerous-dog designation and impoundment.