Cat set on fire - Philadelphia, PA

Sunday, Nov 10, 2013

County: Philadelphia

Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 6 files available

Defendants/Suspects:
» Tyrique Hall
» Jose Sanchez

Case Updates: 3 update(s) available

At around 9:25 a.m. on Sunday, November 10, an eyewitness saw a cat in flames running down 3rd St. toward Wellens Ave. in the Olney section of Philadelphia.

The witness also saw two men at the intersection and alleged overhearing one of them say, "I put a lot of fluid on it."

One of the men was described as an early to mid-20s tall, thin, black or Latino male wearing a red hoodie, and the other an early to mid-20s short, stocky black or Latino male wearing a grey hoodie.

The two men in this nearby store's surveillance video (left) are wanted for questioning by the Pennsylvania SPCA in connection to this case. Anyone who recognizes them is urged to call the PSPCA Anti-Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA.

A $2,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for this horrific act of cruelty.

"The more severe burns were to the feet, to the rear of the cat, the back of the cat. But the face also was burned. It was probably burned over 60-65 percent of its body." ~ PSPCA's George Bengal.
Although the cat, dubbed Campbell, suffered severe burns, he is reportedly doing well at the shelter hospital. If you would like to donate to his medical care, you can do so (here).

"The more severe burns were to the feet, to the rear of the cat, the back of the cat. But the face also was burned. It was probably burned over 60-65 percent of its body," said the PSPCA's George Bengal.

The owner, Madelyn Rivera, was identified through a microchip. She lived about 10 blocks away and had reported the cat missing in late summer. She had to sign Campbell over to the PSPCA in order for him to get the medical treatment he needs, but hopes to readopt him once he recovers.

Case Updates

Tyrique Hall, who, along with Jose Sanchez, doused a cat named Campbell with accelerant and set him on fire in Philadelphia last November, has been sentenced to 11 1/2 to 23 months in jail, two years of probation, seven years of prohibition from owning a pet, and restitution of $2,392. Hall, 21, pleaded guilty after being charged with animal cruelty, criminal conspiracy, and possession of an instrument of crime. Sanchez, 18, was convicted last month of animal cruelty and criminal conspiracy, and sentenced to two years of reporting probation on each count, two years of prohibition from pet ownership, and restitution of $2,400. "This sentence is a victory not just for one cat, but for all animals that face senseless and horrific cruelty. It says that an animal's life is worthy of protection. Sending Tyrique Hall to jail for his actions is an appropriate punishment that we hope will serve as a deterrent to others. Our Humane Law Enforcement team has a strong track record for investigating and prosecuting cases of animal cruelty and neglect. We are gratified by the court's decision." ~Jerry Buckley, CEO, PSPCA Campbell is now enjoying life in his forever home with Lt. Steven Paslawski of the Philadelphia Fire Department. You can follow him on Source: Examiner - March 27, 2014 Update posted on Apr 20, 2014 - 5:46AM

Two suspects allegedly responsible for setting a cat on fire in Philadelphia on November 10 have been charged by the Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Officers. (Read original story). Tyrique Hall, 21, of the 5200 block of N. 3rd St., and Jose Sanchez, 18, of the 100 block of W. Fisher St., were picked up by Philadelphia police this afternoon. They have been charged with criminal conspiracy, possession of an instrument of crime, and animal cruelty. They could also face up to 10 years in jail. Now named Campbell, the cat is doing well but expected to remain in the PSPCA shelter hospital for at least another month due to the severity of his burns.

Source: Examiner - Nov 19, 2013 Update posted on Apr 20, 2014 - 5:45AM

Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Officers are zeroing in on the suspects who allegedly set a cat on fire in the Olney section of Philly on Sunday morning. Read original story. Armed with a search warrant this evening, November 12, the officers entered a home on the 5200 block of 3rd Street, the location of one of the suspects. The suspect was not home at the time, but evidence was collected. The tips the PSPCA has received have been extremely helpful and they are narrowing in on the second suspect.

Source: Examiner - Nov 12, 2013 Update posted on Apr 20, 2014 - 5:44AM

References

• « PA State Animal Cruelty Map
  « More cases in Philadelphia County, PA

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