BEDFORD – Brandon Miller, 42, of 163 Old Farm Road, Bedford, is facing charges of neglect of a dependent, a Level 5 felony, and harboring a non-immunized dog, a Class B misdemeanor, following an incident on February 2, 2025.
According to an affidavit for probable cause filed by Lawrence County Police Officer Chad Hillenburg, Miller’s two-year-old daughter was bitten by the family dog, a male boxer mix named Tip, while playing in the kitchen. The dog was under quarantine due to a previous bite incident.
The affidavit states that Officer Hillenburg received an anonymous tip that Miller was not following quarantine guidelines. Upon arriving at the residence on February 3, Officer Hillenburg observed the dog outside unattended, violating quarantine protocol.
The child’s mother confirmed the bite occurred and provided Officer Hillenburg with a video and photographs of the injury. Despite the quarantine order, she also stated that Brandon Miller had allowed the dog to roam freely inside the house. Miller, however, denied that a bite occurred, suggesting instead that the child was scratched by another dog in the home. Officer Hillenburg noted that Miller seemed agitated and suspiciously showed him the child’s arms, even though he hadn’t specified where the bite occurred.
Officer Hillenburg notified the Department of Child Services of the incident, resulting in a report being filed. He also re-issued the quarantine guidelines to Miller, who signed the official Indiana Animal Bite Report.
Officer Hillenburg’s affidavit states that Miller’s failure to follow quarantine procedures and allowing the dog to roam freely endangered the child’s life and health, leading to the neglect charge. The harboring of a non-immunized dog charge stems from the fact that the dog, under quarantine due to a previous bite, caused injury. A warrant for Miller’s arrest was requested and he was detained on Saturday, February 22.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
