A theft charge was dropped against an animal rights activist whose accuser says he continues to refuse to return his dog to him.The defendant, Clay Lerch, left the courtroom a free man – but with a warning.“There better be anything happen to that dog,” General Sessions Judge Bill Locke warned after an hour-long hearing ended when the judge decided it was a case for civil court, not criminal court.The issue that led to charges being brought against the Warren County Humane Society member began when a 10-year-old boxer named Brutus disappeared from the farm of Joe D. Curtis. He testified Tuesday he figured the dog had run away or been attacked by coyotes. However, a call from his niece led him to check out a Facebook site where he saw what he strongly believes is his dog.He then contacted the Human Society and talked to Lerch who told him to provide proof of ownership and he would return the dog.