A case that has captivated Toronto animal lovers since the hottest days of summer met with a happy ending for the man at the centre of it Saturday.

It was an early birthday present for animal Humane Society cruelty investigator Tre Smith who was reinstated by the Ontario S.P.C.A. following a suspension in July.

Smith was suspended after rescuing a dog trapped inside a sweltering SUV. He then handcuffed the dog's owner to the vehicle but before police arrived, the man was allegedly assaulted by two enraged onlookers.

"I was just doing my job to the best of my ability," Smith recalls. "I rescued an animal and I protected my life and the life of the Good Samaritans around me."

Smith has been sited for misconduct, but he will be back on the job Monday, which just happens to be his birthday.

Humane Society Inspector Suspended Over Handcuff Incident