A man was arrested Thursday on charges of neglecting an animal.

The arrest is in connection with a young pit bull that was found dead and another suffering from malnutrition on Lower Woodville Road in early February, Adams County Sheriff’s Office officials said.

Eric Leeron Anderson, 33, 369 Lower Woodville Road, was arrested on charges of two counts of failure of an owner or custodian to provide sustenance.

He was released Thursday on his own recognizance.

The dog that died was chained to a tree at a Lower Woodville Road residence. Humane Society of Natchez-Adams County volunteer Don Winters said at the time that the dog probably died of exposure.

Winters said Thursday he thought that if Anderson were found guilty, the punishment would likely be light.

“It will probably be a maximum of $500 fine,” Winters said.

People needed to be aware that there are alternatives to neglecting animals, Winters said.

He said he sees neglect almost every day.

“If someone cannot take care of an animal, they should take it to a shelter or find it a good home,” he said. “They’re companions.”

The surviving pit bull is still at the humane society, Winters said.

If the case went to trial, the society would probably find a foster home for her, Winters said.

“I doubt very seriously (the owners) will get the dog back,” he said. “Unless they can show they can take care of it, they won’t. and if they do, the dog will be monitored to make sure she’s taken care of.”

One of the most valuable assets the humane society has for rescuing abused and neglected animals are tips from the public.

“We appreciate the residents of the community calling in about neglected and abused animals,” he said.

“The ones who have called in, they have been kept anonymous. The calls are totally anonymous, and the information is kept confidential.”

Those who would like to report animal abuse or neglect should call the humane society at 442-4001 or the sheriff’s office.