Erica Albarran said her young dog, Chaos, was taken by the shelter after she took the dog to be examined because it was refusing to eat, the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald reported Thursday.

Albarran said the shelter manager, Daniel Mourlas, told her she couldn't take the puppy home after he noticed that a dog belonging to her boyfriend, who was accompanying her, was wearing an anti-bark collar that sprays citronella into the dog's face when it barks.

"We believe that negative reinforcement is not humane, and it is stated in our contract," Mourlas said.

Mourlas said he decided to seize the puppy because he could not be 100 percent sure that the collar would not be used on the younger dog. He said the puppy will be available for adoption after she is examined by a veterinarian.

Albarran filed a complaint Monday with the state department of agriculture and department spokeswoman Marcelyn Love said an investigator would be dispatched.

"If they had proof that I had harmed Chaos, then I could understand," Albarran said. "I don't want another dog; I want her."