The 17 dogs seized from Stack Powell Road are now in the custody of the Halifax County Animal Shelter.

The county, according to Environmental Health Supervisor Jeff Dillard, will rely on a temperament expert from the Humane Society of the United States to determine if the dogs will be adoptable through rescue organizations.

The county shelter does not adopt pit bulls out, Dillard said.

The status of the dogs comes after the Gary family — father Elton, mother Erica and son Zhaqwaun failed to pay a court-ordered restitution for the care and upkeep of the animals, which were seized after law enforcement broke up an alleged dogfighting ring on the Gary’s property.

The humane society has been working with the county since the dogs were seized, Dillard said, and has access to temperament experts. He said he had no idea how many of the dogs could be put up for adoption by pit bull rescue shelters.

John Goodwin, the foremost expert on animal fighting issues in the country, said the humane society, of which he is the director of animal cruelty policy for the animal rescue team, felt good about the dogs’ chances. “They make sure the dogs are behaviorally sound,” he said of the temperament experts. “If they’re not suitable they would still have a chance through a suitable rescuer. There’s a good chance a majority will be able to spend life in a loving home somewhere.”

Goodwin said the temperament experts like to see how the dogs react around other animals and how excitable they are.

The order, signed by Chief District Court Judge Brenda Branch sought $5,841.78 from the defendants in the case, who have been charged with dogfighting or baiting, and owning, possessing or training a dog with the intent to engage in dogfighting or baiting.