CALGARY — A now-former employee of a doggy daycare has been charged with assaulting a pet while on duty.

The owner of Chasin’ Tails, Mike Bateman, said the incident will force hiring policy changes in the future.

Another employee found the five-month-old boxer in distress Sunday morning, he said.

“He was vomiting up blood and lethargic,” said Staff Sgt. Leah Barber of Calgary Police Service.

She said the owner then reviewed the surveillance cameras to see what had happened.

“They saw on the video that one of their employees had abused the dog. Right away, they contacted the vet clinic to get the dog treated and phoned the police,” she said.

“They were incredibly co-operative.”

Bateman said the suspect was still on probation, and was terminated. He was hired about three months ago, and worked the night shifts for the past two weeks.

“As a result of the incident, Chasin’ Tails will be making immediate changes to our hiring and employment policies, and will increase our level of screening to include police background checks,” he said.

The dog is back home healing with family, and Chasin’ Tails has covered all medical expenses related to the dog.

“We are grateful that the dog is recovering quickly, and we regret that this has happened to an animal that was entrusted into our care,” Bateman said.

Police investigated the case and have charged the employee.

Marc Olivier Labonte, 19, has been charged with injuring an animal. He has been released from custody.

smassinon@calgaryherald.combforbes@calgaryherald.com