IDER, Ala. (WHNT) — The Ider Police Department (IPD), has opened an investigation into an animal cruelty case that involves a dog being chained to a vehicle.

According to the Ider Police Department, the investigation began after a photo of a dog started to circulate online depicting the inhumane treatment of the animal.

In the photo an underweight dog is chained to a vehicle. Ider Police said that four dogs were impounded from the property.

According to IPD, the owner violated a newly established “Responsible pet ownership ordinance” as well as state law for animal cruelty.

Ider Police Chief Stephen Malone said that the ordinance was drafted to allow the department to legally assess more animal complaints and issue court notices if animals are not properly cared for or are aggressive.

Chief Stephen Malone issued the following statement:

This is not a “Leash Law”. Our department will not be patrolling for animals not on the owners property, but yet will provide us a way to handle said situations if there are complaints of trespassing or viciousness.

We’ve had several incidents and complaints recently of dogs killing livestock and being aggressive towards children and our older residents. Unfortunately, to the point they are afraid to be outside of their homes. With our new ordinance we thankfully have the legal authority to intervene.

The four animals have been taken to a local animal shelter where they will be provided care, and have much needed food and shelter.

I truly appreciate our community having faith in our Police Department, no matter the complaint we will always provide our services as quickly and efficiently as possible regardless of what kind of life it may be, we are here to protect it.

Ider Police Chief Stephen Malone