SHELBYVILLE - A Stewardson man charged with 15 counts of dog fighting and animal cruelty posted bail and was released from custody Thursday, according to the Shelby County prosecutor.

Matthew R. Dalton, 34, was arrested Tuesday after investigators searched his rural Stewardson home and found what officials said were 23 scarred and malnourished pit bull terriers allegedly used for fighting. A dog fighting arena and various other items, such as treadmills, were discovered as well, said Shelby County State's Attorney Allan Lolie.

"It's the first (such case) we've dealt with in Shelby County, certainly in the recent past," he said.

During a second search of Dalton's residence Tuesday, authorities seized about nine pounds of cannabis as well, so Dalton was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony, officials said.

In addition to the five counts of dog fighting, a Class 4 felony, Dalton was charged with five counts of cruel treatment to animals, a Class A misdemeanor, and five counts of violation of owner's duties, a Class B misdemeanor.

All 23 dogs are being housed in the Shelby County Animal Shelter under the care of animal control officer George Donley.

During Dalton's first court appearance Thursday at the Shelby County Courthouse in Shelbyville, Judge Michael Kiley set bail at $50,000, and the defendant paid the necessary 10 percent for his release.

Lolie said he also is seeking an additional $3,000 from Dalton to pay for the care of the dogs over the next month. Kiley will hear that matter Monday.

During Thursday's hearing, Dalton indicated he would be represented by a private attorney.

Also at that hearing, Lolie said Donley and investigators from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and the Windsor Police Department found an alleged dog fighting ring, three treadmills and other items "indicative of dog fighting" during Tuesday's search.

Lolie also told Kiley that many of the dogs had injuries that suggested dog fighting.

The alleged operation was first suspected by a Shelby County sheriff's deputy who went to the Dalton property to serve civil court papers.

The deputy noticed pit bulls chained outside and returned later with Donley to investigate further. A search warrant was issued Tuesday morning, and authorities raided the residence that afternoon.

Dalton was taken into custody without incident after returning home mid-afternoon Tuesday, Lolie said. Dalton has not yet entered a plea.

nwest@jg-tc.com|238-6860.