B.C. man charged with animal cruelty after dog’s collar embedded in neck

LADYSMITH, B.C. – A Vancouver Island man has been charged with animal cruelty after his dog's choke chain had to be surgically removed from its neck.

The SPCA responded to a call last February about a tethered young pit-bull cross in distress on Daniel Elliott's property near Ladysmith, B.C.

The SPCA says the dog was found to be extremely lethargic and suffering from an infected wound caused by the deeply embedded collar.

SPCA Const. Toni Morrison says the amount of discharge and odour from the infection should have been a clear sign that the dog was suffering.

She says the dog, now named Archer, has a new owner and lives with three cats.

Elliott faces up to two years behind bars, a fine of up to $75,000 and a lifetime ban on owning animals.