The original owners are still mourning the loss of their pet. The new owner is considering legal action against the town after Edda experienced a severe eye infection that required surgery and racked up a hefty medical bill. And the town is facing pressure to explain how all the dog drama came to be.

Frank Merschhaus, spokesman for the city of Ahlen, told NPR in an email that the seizure of Edda the pug was “legally permissible” but that the criticism of the tactics may be warranted.

“Obtaining the proceeds of the sale through a private eBay account was a very questionable decision by the enforcement officer,” Merschhaus told NPR, adding that the city is conducting an internal investigation.