HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A former Henry County deputy has been charged with animal cruelty after authorities said his dog was found with an embedded collar that caused injuries.

According to a news release issued Wednesday, July 30, by Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis, the Martinsville-Henry County 9-1-1 Center received a call on July 23 reporting a dog running at large.

Deputies responded and located the dog.

During their investigation, they discovered the dog’s collar had become excessively tight and was embedded in the animal’s neck, causing injury.

Deputies assigned to Henry County Sheriff’s Office’s Animal Services transported the dog to a local veterinarian, where it received treatment and the embedded collar was safely removed.

Authorities also determined the dog, a Husky, was underweight.

Sheriff Davis said the dog’s owner, Robert Tatum, surrendered the animal to the Henry County Animal Shelter.

The Husky has since been transported to Angels for Animals in Ohio, where it remains under veterinary care and will later be available for adoption.

The investigation determined the dog belonged to Tatum, who was a deputy with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at the time of the incident.

In addition to the criminal investigation, the sheriff’s office launched an internal administrative investigation.

According to Davis, Tatum resigned from his employment with the sheriff’s office following the incident.

After completing the criminal investigation, animal services deputies presented the case to the Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

Following a review of the evidence, prosecutors authorized one count of animal cruelty against Tatum.

The Virginia State Police arrested Tatum on the charge.

He was later released on a $3,500 secured bond pending further court proceedings.

rbs news now requested a booking photo from Sheriff Davis.

Davis said, “We don’t have one because he was processed by the Martinsville City Sheriff’s Office.”

rbs news now also contacted the Martinsville Sheriff’s Office.

Cathy Burton, police support specialist for the Martinsville Sheriff’s Office, said Friday, July 31, “I checked but we do not have a mugshot on Mr. Tatum either.”

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