It's bad enough that a mixed German shepherd puppy was dumped in a Hammond neighborhood. The apparently unthinking or just plain heartless owner also left a collar around its neck.

Unlike many strays, the puppy didn't die on the highway, hit by a car. It didn't starve to death. It wasn't killed by other animals. Instead day by day, it managed to live. And as the puppy grew, the collar grew into its neck.

Its luck changed for the better when the dog crossed paths with a woman who is known in the neighborhood for having a kind heart for animals. She saw the collar mired in infection around the dog's neck and, knowing she could not care for it, she called the local Humane Society.

A veternarian cleaned and treated the large raw wound. Even cleaned, it's a gruesome sight.

Humane Society President Randy Stegall asks anyone who knows the owner of this dog to call him at 225-414-0059 or 985-634-2562 - not because he wants to return the dog. Stegall would like to have the person charged and convicted of cruelty.

Abandoning animals is a crime. We urge all pet owners to have their pets spayed or neutered to avoid having unwanted animals.

Also, please remember to keep animals cool and give them plenty of water in this hot weather.

The local Humane Society continues to need and appreciate donations in support of its efforts to help and rescue suffering animals.

- Daily Star Editorial