Milan police investigating after puppy found with embedded collar

A black Labrador Retriever puppy is recovering from serious injuries after Milan police found the pet inside a home last week with a nylon collar embedded in its neck, authorities say.

The 11-month-old puppy "Lou" was discovered chained up inside a County Street home after police responded to an animal cruelty complaint Oct. 23.

"The (collar) actually cut into the side of the neck, so it was bleeding," Milan Police Chief Jeffrey Lewis said.

Lewis said the collar dug a quarter-inch into the dog's neck.

It's unclear whether criminal charges will be filed. City attorneys, who are reviewing the case, could not be reached for comment today.

The dog's owner told police it was "hyperactive," and she was trying to keep the dog under control, Lewis said.

She signed away her rights as an owner, and the animal is being treated at DHK Animal Rescue in Milan, said Nancy Kilian, the rescue organization's owner.

"He had a raging infection," Kilian said. "The tissue was just so deteriorated in there. It was awful."

There was a maggot in the wound, Kilian said.

Kilian has owned the rescue organization for 16 years and has handled hundreds of embedded collar cases. She said Lou's is "the worst" she's seen.

The dog was treated with antibiotics, and a woman visited the rescue organization Thursday to give the pup a healing massage, Kilian said.

"He was just rolling around when the lady did the massage yesterday," Kilian said. "He's a real happy-go-lucky dog."

The organization is looking for a family to adopt "Lou." Anyone interested can call Kilian at (734) 323-1089.

Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at leehiggins@annarbor.com or 734-623-2527.