A 10-month-old puppy was brought into the county's Bonita animal shelter earlier this week with a "severe neck injury" caused by a tight collar and county officials Friday asked for the public's help identifying the dog's owner.

The male shepherd, which was brought into the shelter on Monday as a stray, was wearing a chain collar around its neck that had not been loosened as the dog grew older and had become embedded in his skin, according to the county.

Veterinary staff had to surgically remove the chain before treating the dog's injuries and said he will have to undergo additional surgery in order to help the wound fully heal.

Though the puppy was microchipped, the county's Department of Animal Services has not been able to trace it to a registered owner.

But Animal Services Director

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