Man avoids jail over use of 'barbaric' dog collar

RSPCA inspector Patrick Bailey said the dog suffered "horrendous injuries" from the prong collar

A security dog handler who caused "horrific injuries" to his dog with a barbed collar embedded in his neck has been given a suspended jail term.

Marghani Albadawi, 38, from the Lozells area of Birmingham, took the German Shepherd to a vet with a "wet, smelly" neck and said he didn't know what the problem was.

Birmingham magistrates were told the vet found the "prong collar" was completely embedded all the way around and informed the RSPCA.

Alongside an eight-year ban for keeping animals, Albadawi was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

The RSPCA said prong collars, which cause dogs pain when they pull too hard on the lead, should be made illegal.

Albadawi's dog, Mac, was taken to a vet in Bournemouth, who had to remove the collar with bolt cutters because the swelling around it was so bad.

Although he made a full recovery from his neck injuries, the RSPCA said it became apparent he had painful hip dysplasia, which had also gone untreated, and had to be put down.

After an RSPCA investigation, Albadawi admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and was sentenced on 3 October.

RSPCA inspector Patrick Bailey, who investigated the case, said: "Mac suffered horrendous injuries from this barbaric collar."

He said the dog "must have been in considerable pain and discomfort, yet he continued to go to work with Albadawi due to his loyal nature and strong understanding of what was expected of him".

"Mac was let down by Albadawi," he added.