FRANKLIN
A Franklin man was arrested on Dec. 31 on charges relating to hurting an animal and taking its collar.

Parry Phillips, 44, of the 100 block of Robinhood Road, was booked that date for recklessly handling a firearm, poisoning or maiming fowl, removing a collar from a dog and grand larceny of $200 or more, though not from a person.

Lt. Camden Cobb of the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office explained that Phillips was accused of shooting a dog and removing its collar, which had a tracking device.

The reference to poisoning or maiming fowl is an abbreviated version of the Code of Virginia 18.2-144, titled “Maiming, killing or poisoning animals, fowl, etc.” In it is a reference to any person who maliciously shoots, stabs or wounds a companion animal, such as a dog.

In Phillips’ case, his charges are classified as a felony.

Phillips was released that same date on a personal recognizance bond, which required him to sign a promise to appear in court. He was scheduled for arraignment on Friday, but a hearing’s been rescheduled for Feb, 21 at 1 p.m. in Southampton General District Court.

Attorney Jack Randall said his client had no intention to shoot the dog, and that Phillips was going home to get money to compensate the animal’s owner.

“It was a tragic accident — a mistake,” said Randall, adding that Phillips has a spotless record.