Dog doused with gasoline, set on fire
Washington, DC (US)

Incident Date: Saturday, Jul 8, 2000
County: District of Columbia

Disposition: Open

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person or persons responsible for the burning of a nine-month old pit bull terrier. The dog was doused with gasoline and set on fire in a Washington DC neighborhood.

Reports say the female pit bull was tied to a fence at an elementary school, July 8 and set on fire. The dog was able to escape when the heat of the fire burned through her collar. The puppy was critically injured and ran to her home where she was found by her family. Due to the severity of her burns, she had to be euthanized.

Claire Ponder, manager of the HSUS First Strike Program, which deals with the connection between animal abuse and subsequent violence directed at humans said, "To kill a defenseless animal in such a deliberate and cruel manner is the act of a profoundly disturbed individual. The person or persons who did this may have very real and very dangerous psychological problems and may be a danger not only to animals but to the people as well."

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is adding $2,500 to the $3,000 reward already offered by the Washington Humane Society.

This week the DC Council passed a bill increasing the penalities for intentional animal cruelty from a misdemeanor to a felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or up to $25,000 in fines. Mayor Anthony Williams is expected to review the bill.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Washington Humane Society & HSUS
301 258-3072

References

• U.S. Newswire - July 13, 2000

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