Chaos is headed back to the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter.

The approximately 8-year-old pit bull bit a Shelbyville police officer on Aug. 8 at Sunset Park. Owner Jennifer Mays appeared before the City of Shelbyville’s Board of Works nearly two months later to plea for the return of her dog.

After nearly two hours of discussion over a two-day period, the Board of Works voted 2-1 to return Chaos to Mays with the stipulation that animal shelter officials could monitor the living environment to insure public safety.

On Jan. 27, police officers were called to Mays’ residence at 305 Wellington Boulevard because of a domestic dispute between Mays and Charles Robinson.

Mays’ mother, whose name is on the rental lease for the property, made the phone call.

While a discussion was being had in the front doorway, Chaos ran out of the house prompting concerns from the officers who were familiar with Chaos’ aggressive history.

Chaos did not bite anyone and was successfully returned inside the residence as Mays talked with police officer Alex Miller.

A report was filed regarding Mays’ appearance and the overall lack of cleanliness inside the residence. The police report noted Mays had feces on her feet and there was dog feces inside the residence.

Mayor Tom DeBaun, one of three members of the Board of Works, noted during Tuesday’s hearing that there was also a nuisance complaint on the residence due to excessive trash and debris.

Keith Barrett of the local animal shelter then informed the board that Mays had been difficult to contact with regard to monitoring Chaos as the stipulation stated for the dog’s return to its owner.

Mays took no responsibility for the living conditions, both inside and outside the residence, and left the Board of Works with no other option than to remove Chaos from the home.

“I don’t feel like the dog needs to be destroyed but I don’t believe he needs to be in the environment he is in now,” said Barrett, who has developed a good relationship with a pit bull that is not fond of strangers.

In other board business Tuesday, police officer Josh Southworth was granted permanent appointment to the police force and officer Travis Conway’s resignation, effective Feb. 21, was accepted.