The Martinsville/Henry County 9-1-1 Center received a call reporting a dog running at large on July 23.
Henry County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area and located the dog. During their investigation, deputies discovered that the dog’s collar had become excessively tight and was embedded in the animal’s neck, causing injury. Deputies assigned to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Unit immediately transported the dog to a local veterinarian, where it received medical treatment and the embedded collar was safely removed.
It was further determined that the dog was underweight.
The investigation determined that the dog belonged to Robert Tatum, who was employed by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at the time of the incident. In addition to the criminal investigation, an internal administrative investigation was initiated. Tatum subsequently resigned from his employment with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
Upon completion of the criminal investigation, Animal Services Deputies presented the findings to the Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for review. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office authorized Animal Services Deputies to charge Tatum with one count of animal cruelty.
The Virginia State Police arrested Tatum on the charge. He was subsequently released on a $3,500 secured bond pending further court proceedings.
Tatum surrendered the dog, a Husky, to the Henry County Animal Shelter. The dog has since been transported to Angels for Animals located in Ohio, where it remains under veterinary care and will later be available for adoption.
“The welfare of animals in our community is important, and we appreciate the partnership of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the Virginia State Police in this investigation," Sheriff Wayne Davis said.
