Case Snapshot
Case ID: 2600
Classification: Burning - Fire or Fireworks
Animal: dog (pit-bull)
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Wednesday, Aug 4, 2004

County: Philadelphia

Disposition: Open

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Neighbors said Princess, a young pit bull, was a "playful" dog, friendly with neighborhood children. So it's especially hard for them to understand why somebody doused the 9-month-old puppy with paint and set her on fire about 3:30 on Thursday morning.

Princess was burned so badly she was euthanized after her arrival at the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association, said Jeff Moran, spokesman for the health department, which oversees the animal care agency. Officials of the Pennsylvania SPCA had intended to offer to try to nurse Princess back to health, said assistant public relations director Megan Kane.

The owner, who could not be reached, was identified in televised reports as Martin Jackson. Princess was tied up in the yard in front of his house when she was attacked, Kane said.
According to police, Jackson said he saw a "flash" outside his front door and looked out and saw the dog on fire. He managed to put out the flames, police said.

The case is now under investigation by the Pennsylvania SPCA.

"We can't do anything unless there are witnesses," but so far there are none, Kane said. She urges anyone with information to call SPCA investigator Gary Lovett at 215-426-6304, extension 225. If the perpetrator is caught and convicted, he or she could face up to two years in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Gary Lovett
215-426-6304 x.225

References

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

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