Authorities searching for owner of dog found dragging a chain which was embedded into its neck

ARKANSAS -- The Heber Springs Humane Society and Animal Control are looking for answers after a dog with severe neck injuries was found in a ditch on Valley Drive in Heber Springs last week.

The dog, a Labrador Retriever mix, was discovered last Thursday with a metal chain and pieces of collar embedded more than an inch deep into the skin around the animal’s neck. 

A veterinarian at the Humane Society performed surgery to successfully remove the chain, but the dog, affectionately called “Chains” by the shelter’s staff, contracted tetanus and is currently undergoing treatment at Pallone Veterinary Hospital in Rose Bud.

A concerned citizen saw the dog dragging a chain around its neck near Valley Drive in Heber Springs and reported the animal’s condition to police. Cleburne County Deputy Sarah Burger responded to the call, an apparent case of animal neglect.

Officials do not know how exactly how the dog’s injuries occurred, but it appears the chain, wrapped around the dog’s neck along with its collar, became embedded into the animal’s skin over time.

Police are working to identify the dog’s owner. Although the have a reasonable suspicion of who the owner may be, authorities are still investigating the crime to determine who is responsible.

If you have any information on this crime or to report a suspected case of animal abuse in the city of Heber Springs, call Animal Control at 501-362-5554.

(The Sun Times - Dec 22, 2015)