UPDATE: Juveniles arrested for lighting dog on fire
Two Southwest Baltimore juveniles have been arrested for the burning of Phoenix, the pit bull, that spurred such outraged that an award fund reached $26,000, according to The Baltimore Sun story.
Police did not identify the twin boys arrested over the weekend because they are minors. But their parents went on television to say they were innocent and they were turned in for the reward money. Police normally only offer $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
The boys' neighborhood was plastered with fliers announcing the reward and asking neighbors to "do the right thing."
The dog was initially saved by a Baltimore City police officer, Syreeta Teel, who was on routine patrol May 27 and saw the dog in the middle of Presbury street. She put out the fire with her sweater and has since been called a hero by her superiors and many in the community.
The dog suffered burns on 98 percent of her body and had to be euthanize last weekend.
No word on what lead to the arrest.
Baltimore Sun file photo
Comments
Trying to keep "innocent until proven guilty" in mind, I do hope that this arrest helps brings Phoenix's killers to justice. She suffered so much and that kind of cruelty needs serious rehabilitation before another animal or person is harmed.
Posted by: Shannon | June 8, 2009 12:55 PM
I am so happy these scum bags were caught!
Posted by: Christina | June 8, 2009 1:14 PM
Yes, abolutely. Innocent until proven guilty.
But, once a guilty party is determined, treat the guilty one(s) like the sociopath(s) any one who would do this must be.
If these juveniles are guilty, their parents should share the punishment. They have obviously contributed only to the coarsening of Baltimore life.
Ughh!
Posted by: Michael K | June 8, 2009 1:36 PM
These kids should be charged and punished as adults. Further more, the parents of these killers should be held responsible as well.
Posted by: rodney | June 8, 2009 2:03 PM
I was reading about an animal abuse case that occured on a remote, French-owned island. The French government investigated and responded to concerns relating to events surrounding the case. Upon investigation the government identified the case as a hoax and added that if true, those responsible would be charged to the fullest extent of the law -- approximately $36,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment. In their reply, the government stated they take seriously abuse against animals, especially since 1 in 2 French families have at least one pet. I wonder how many alive dogs or animals are set on fire in France or French territories.
Posted by: Emily | June 8, 2009 2:06 PM
If they are found to be guilty of such a disgraceful crime, they should punished the fullest extent of the law!!
Posted by: BeagleMom | June 8, 2009 3:45 PM
While it wouldn't surprise me to hear it was youths, it would break my heart a little bit more. I will definitely go with innocent until proven guilty, and if they are guilty, I'd prefer they receive therapy and training, because leaving a dog on fire goes deeper than I personally believe prison will rectify. Prison hasn't appeared to act as much of a deterrent in this city, and I think what will be the best for future animals here would be to help these juveniles realize right and wrong.
Posted by: Lauren | June 8, 2009 10:45 PM
BeagleMom I have to disgaree. If they are cruel enough to set a dog on fire, then they need to go to jail. Therapy is not an option for these kids. They have already proved they are a danger to society. They needed help before they set Phoenix on fire. What is to stop them from doing it again if they are out of jail?
Posted by: Jane | June 9, 2009 3:45 AM
Therapeutic caning would be just, would it not?
Posted by: Gus Smegma | June 9, 2009 6:04 AM
I belive the offender deserve death pennalty, otherwise they are lifelong threat to everybody whether animal or human. Prison can only get them more cruel if it is possible. And they are not treatable by any means.
Posted by: Dogowner | July 11, 2009 4:51 PM