Dog burned with Molotov cocktail
San Antonio, TX (US)Incident Date: Monday, Sep 14, 2009
County: Bexar
Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 4 files available
Alleged: 14-year-old-boy
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
A 14-year-old is being investigated for arson after his family's 2-year-old English bulldog suffered third-degree burns across its back, stomach and genitals.
Officials with the city's Animal Care Services said the boy allegedly made a Molotov cocktail out of a perfume bottle, but it was unclear how the bulldog was burned in the 1800 block of West Winnipeg Avenue.
"We are trying to reconcile the story the teenage boy is giving us and the story the evidence is giving us," said Lisa Norwood, spokeswoman for Animal Care Services.
The dog was burned on Sunday afternoon and stood for the first time Tuesday, she said. It is in severe pain, but doing better and its veterinarian is hopeful he will recover, Norwood said.
The boy's mother initially wanted to keep the dog, which was named Capone. But after Animal Care Services told her the bill for the dog's treatment was about $4,000 and could become more expensive, she opted to sign the dog over to them.
The dog has been renamed Churchill. If it recovers it will be put up for adoption, Norwood said. Meanwhile, arson investigators continue their work on the case. Charges against whoever burned the dog could range from reckless animal cruelty to felony arson.
Animal Care Services is accepting donations for Churchill. Anyone wishing to contribute to his medical expenses can mail donations to ACS at 4710 Texas 151, San Antonio, TX 78227.
Case UpdatesA 14-year-old boy has been charged with animal cruelty and torture after police say he set his English bulldog on fire.
Police arrived at the boys home in the 1800 block of West Winnipeg on Sunday to find the dog burned over most of its body.
According to a police report, he admitted to setting a bottle of cologne on fire with a lighter, but he said he did not intend to set the dog on fire.
The dog was taken by Animal Care Services investigators to an emergency veterinary clinic for treatment.
"This animal has been burned so severely that portions of his skin are coming off," said Lisa Norwood of ACS. "It's a sad commentary on the way some people treat animals in our community."
The dog, named "Churchill" by ACS employees, will have to undergo thousands of dollars in surgeries and therapy.
ACS officials are asking the public to help pay for the pups care. To make a donation, call 210-207-6665.
Arson investigators are looking into the incident. Several sources told KSAT 12 News that the boy has a history of setting fires. | Source: ksat.com - Sept 17, 2009
Update posted on Nov 18, 2010 - 2:57PM |
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