'Mac suffered horrendous injuries from this barbaric collar' - Security dog handler from Birmingham banned from keeping animals after dog suffered 'heartbreaking' injury
A security dog handler who allowed his dog to suffer with a prong collar embedded in his neck has been banned from keeping animals for eight years.
Marghani Albadawi, 38, of Gerrard Close, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
The charity began an investigation after Albadawi - who was working as a security guard dog handler in Bournemouth - took his German Shepherd dog, Mac, to a vet with a 'wet, smelly' neck but said he didn't know what the problem was.
The vet found the dog's prong collar was completely embedded all the way around.
He was also wearing a regular choke chain collar and a normal dog collar that were also both covered in puss.
The vet had to sedate Mac but the swelling was so bad they couldn't get the collar over his head and so had to get bolt cutters from the mechanic over the road to cut the collar off.
Albadawi pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Mac in January this year by applying a prong collar tightly to the dog’s neck.
Alongside the eight year ban from keeping animals, which he can not appeal for four years, he was sentenced to 12 week custody, suspended for 12 months, 100 hours unpaid work, £400 costs plus £154 victim surcharge, when he was sentenced on October 3 at Birmingham Magistrates Court.
Mac's neck made a full recovery, however he was an older dog and whilst in RSPCA care it became apparent he had severe hip dysplasia, which had also gone untreated by his previous owner, and he was in a lot of pain and sadly required euthanasia.
Inspector Patrick Bailey, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Mac suffered horrendous injuries from this barbaric collar.
"This is sadly just one of many examples I have seen first hand where their use causes significant pain and suffering. Mac's suffering was entirely avoidable.
"He 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.
"At the point he was presented to the vet by Albadawi for a suspected problem with his neck, the veterinary staff were shocked to find Mac's lead was still being connected to the prong collar.
“It’s heartbreaking to think Mac had to suffer in this way and saddening to think that Albadawi failed to notice what was happening to him.
“When you rely on your dog for your employment and for financial gain, I feel you should lead by example with animal welfare. Mac was let down by Albadawi. I am disappointed that he failed to notice what was wrong in a timely manner, and in doing so caused Mac to suffer unnecessarily".
