COLUMBIA, S.C. — A woman has been arrested and charged after a dog was found with a collar embedded in his neck.
According to Columbia Police, 32-year-old Aireal Ames has been released from the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on a $1,000 bond after an animal cruelty investigation concluded on Wednesday morning and led to her arrest.
Ames is accused of failing to properly care for the dog, a Cane Corso named Banx, that was found wandering in the Carola Avenue area near North Main Street with a collar embedded in his neck. A concerned resident tipped off the police after calling 911.
Columbia Animal Control located the dog and Banx was taken to a veterinarian for treatment. Police said a report of the exam found that the dog "suffered unnecessary pain and suffering." The veterinarian said the dog was also emaciated, weighing 88 pounds, and "had flea and hookworm infestations, anemia, worn teeth, significant scarring and inflammation of the neck."
Ames was charged with a felony count of ill-treatment of animals. Banx has since had surgery on his neck due to the collar and is in the process of recovering but his medical care is ongoing.