A loose dog in a Muldrow neighborhood led to police intervention after residents raised concerns about animal neglect and a potential child safety issue.

Anthony S. McClinton, 40, of Muldrow, is now facing a felony cruelty to animal charge in Sequoyah County District Court after receiving a $5,000 bond. He is set for a September 3 felony disposition docket with Associate District Judge Kyle Waters, according to court records.

On the evening of June 15, Muldrow Police officer Richard Matthews was dispatched to NW 3rd Street following reports of a dog running at large. The call came from local resident who told police that a small brown dog, described as a boxer mix, had been roaming the area since new neighbors moved in nearby.

The resident claimed the dog’s owners refused to let the animal inside or provide food, prompting neighbors to begin feeding it themselves. The resident also reported that earlier that day, the dog “sniped” at her grandson while he was riding an electric motorcycle in their yard. However, no bites were reported.

A second neighboring resident confirmed the dog’s presence in the area over the past few months.

The neighbor stated the dog originally came from a home on NE 3rd Street, and was given to the residents at N Ada Street, where it has since been kept outside without shelter or food.

According to the neighbor, the dog was put out after it bit a child in the household.

Matthews then spoke to McClinton at the residence on N Ada, who denied owning the dog but admitted it was present when they moved in.

He said he had initially fed the dog and confirmed that it had bitten his child, although no official report had been filed. McClinton also stated he had contacted animal control, but they were unable to take the animal.

Further investigation led Matthews to the residence on NE 3rd Street, where the homeowner said he had given the dog to “a guy named Anthony” over two months ago. The homeowner agreed to keep the dog overnight, pending animal control pickup.

McClinton was issued a citation for allowing an animal to run at large, but he did not answer the door when Matthews attempted to serve it. The officer took custody of the dog and returned it to homeowner’s residence on NE 3rd Street, temporarily.

A referral has been made to the Department of Human Services due to the unreported dog bite involving a child.

District Attorney Jack Thorp said if found guilty of the charge, it is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.