For the second time this summer someone has burned a dog in Nashville. Someone burned the ears and face of a 5-month-old shepherd mix named Angel.
Metro Animal Control found a severely burned puppy in the same North Nashville neighborhood where a dog died in June after being set on fire.
Billy Biggs, Metro Animal Control field operations officer, said it appeared that someone used a hand-held blow torch to burn the puppy.
Angel's owner Ozell Mitchell said it happened in the area around Seventeenth and Knowles streets. Mitchell said she saw her dog on fire Tuesday afternoon, but the dog didn't return home until Thursday.
"How could you hurt a little puppy like that," said Mitchell, who took in the stray dog.
She said she didn't think she'd be lucky enough to save the dog again.
Mitchell said her dog is a survivor.
A veterinarian treated the dog and said the dog should make a full recovery, but she might have to remove part of the dog's ear.
Angel is expected to return home within the next week.
This incident was reported five houses away from another attack in June in which a dog was doused in gasoline and set on fire. The animal died and five boys face felony charges.
A city worker found the dead animal in an alley. The abuse case outraged animal rights groups across the country. The boys arrested in that case ranged in age from 9 to 14.
Three of the five juveniles are on house arrest in that neighborhood. Police plan to question them about Angel. Case UpdatesA $1,000 reward is offered for information about a puppy set on fire Tuesday in north Nashville.
Angel, a 5-month-old shepherd mix, was badly burned on the head and face, probably by someone using an acetylene torch, officials said.
It's the second similar incident in a little more than a month in the neighborhood off D.B. Todd Boulevard.
In late June, a dog was doused in gasoline and set afire. It was found dead a few days later.
Five youths, ranging in ages 9 to 14, will be tried on Oct. 15 for animal cruelty.
Three of the boys live close to where Angel was set afire, but authorities have determined by checking monitoring devices the boys wear that they have been staying at home
No one has reported seeing what happened to the dog. She belongs to Ozell Mitchell, who lives at 1704 Knowles St. A family member was sitting on the front porch when Angel ran from the back yard, her head ablaze. The puppy rolled, putting out the flames, then ran off.
Metro Animal Control officers responded and searched for her. The family found her Thursday and she was taken to the shelter for veterinary treatment.
This would be considered aggravated animal cruelty. The felony can be punished with one to three years in prison, Biggs said.
A Nashville man contacted The Tennessean and offered to pay for a $1,000 reward. Information can be given by calling 862-7928.
Angel is expected to recover. Then, she will be returned to Mitchell. Many people have inquired about donating for her care. Envelopes are available at the shelter at 5125 Harding Place to give money to a special fund for animal care. The shelter will be open Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Source: Tennesean - Aug 4, 2007 Update posted on Aug 7, 2007 - 1:10AM |
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