COURTLAND, Va. (AP) -- Two PETA employees accused of stealing a hunting dog and discarding its electronic tracking device are scheduled to go to trial today in Southampton General District Court.

Carrie Beth Edwards and Andrea Florence Benoit face grand larceny and petty larceny charges.

Southampton County police say they pulled over Edwards and Benoit in a van registered to Norfolk-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and found the dog inside.

PETA spokeswoman Erin Edwards said the two women did nothing wrong and were only picking up the dog to ensure its safety. She said PETA opposes tracking collars because they can malfunction and cause painful burns.

The case inspired a new law that takes effect next week that requires those convicted of removing a collar to face up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.