BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- "Smokey," the half-wolf, half-dog, has been released from the Bloomington animal shelter, but will face a hearing next month.

Smokey was detained after neighbors complained about him running loose. The hybrid animal also allegedly bit someone, but his owner, Dennis, denies that.

Smokey faces a May hearing to determine whether charges against him will be pursued or dropped.

A public hearing was held Monday night at the Bloomington animal shelter, addressing the larger question of whether a new county ordinance should be amended to include a grandfather clause, allowing ownership of hybrid animals such as Smokey.