[quote author=http://www.c-dh.net/articles/2008/12/03/top_stories/05dog.txt]Burned dog found in east Columbia
By D. FRANK SMITH/dfsmith@c-dh.net
After a pit bull’s body was set on fire in east Columbia, authorities say they’re puzzled over whether or not the incident can be classified as a crime.
The dog was found still burning on the corner of Glade and East 10th streets about 5:30 p.m. by emergency personnel, and it was reportedly deceased before being set on fire, one resident said.
Because the fire took place postmortem, Columbia Police Officer Josh Garner said he’s put in a difficult position in pursuing prosecution.
“As heinous as it is, I don’t know that a crime has been committed as far as the legal books are concerned,” he said.
Witnesses to the Monday incident say they heard a group of juveniles in the area yelling just before the fire broke out.
“They did hear a male and female yelling ... “Stop! Stop! That’s enough!” according to the police report.
Garner said he smelled a strong odor of kerosene at the scene, indicating that was likely the catalyst for the fire.
The dog had been friendly with those in the neighborhood and was known to appear in the area from time to time, said one resident of Glade Street who wished to remain anonymous.
Sgt. Wayne Prince of the Columbia Police Department found an open can of what appeared to be kerosene, with excess fuel spilled around it, at a residence on Glade Street, according to the report. The owner of the can said it was used to fill a lawnmower. The can was taken into custody to check for prints.
Jay Armstrong said he saw the dog about noon Monday, lying on the sidewalk near where it was later found dead. Armstrong said he had nudged the dog to see if it was all right.
“It got up and ran off, but its back legs weren’t working very well,” he said.
Hours later, Janet McCoy found a dead pitbull in her yard, according to the report.
She contacted the city’s Streets Department, who instructed her to move the dog to her driveway where it could be picked up and properly disposed of.
But before they arrived, the animal had been set on fire.
Garner said there are no plans for an autopsy, and he is relying on McCoy’s testimony about the dog’s condition.
ANIMAL ABUSE LINKED TO HUMAN ABUSE
Scott Heiser, an attorney with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said animal cruelty is often reflected in other kinds of violence.
“People who engage in animal cruelty are five times more likely to engage in more serious forms of violence against humans,” Heiser said, quoting research done by his firm.
Heiser added that it has been documented that many high-profile serial killers had abused animals prior to torturing and killing humans.
“People who profile serial killers will tell you that animal cruelty in younger years in combination with fire starting and bed wetting are all strong indicators they could become very serious threats to the community,” he said.
Mary Ruth Rogers, former president of the Maury County Animal Shelter Association, said animal control officers have been negligent in their duty to patrol the city for stray animals.
“They need to get someone out there rolling on the streets 24/7,” she said. “This is just awful and it's just a reflection of how the people of the world are considering their pets as a disposable item.”
Story created Dec 03, 2008 - 16:33:34 EST. [/quote]
One of the worst stories I've had to cover this year... and that includes a double homicide. Just thought I'd spread the joy.
We got some anon tips today that say burning dogs alive is often used for gang initiations, and we have many rival gangs here -- offshoots of the Crips and Bloods (yes, they're real). If that is indeed the case, these kids fucked up because the dog was already dead, and I reported the shit out of this story.
By D. FRANK SMITH/dfsmith@c-dh.net
After a pit bull’s body was set on fire in east Columbia, authorities say they’re puzzled over whether or not the incident can be classified as a crime.
The dog was found still burning on the corner of Glade and East 10th streets about 5:30 p.m. by emergency personnel, and it was reportedly deceased before being set on fire, one resident said.
Because the fire took place postmortem, Columbia Police Officer Josh Garner said he’s put in a difficult position in pursuing prosecution.
“As heinous as it is, I don’t know that a crime has been committed as far as the legal books are concerned,” he said.
Witnesses to the Monday incident say they heard a group of juveniles in the area yelling just before the fire broke out.
“They did hear a male and female yelling ... “Stop! Stop! That’s enough!” according to the police report.
Garner said he smelled a strong odor of kerosene at the scene, indicating that was likely the catalyst for the fire.
The dog had been friendly with those in the neighborhood and was known to appear in the area from time to time, said one resident of Glade Street who wished to remain anonymous.
Sgt. Wayne Prince of the Columbia Police Department found an open can of what appeared to be kerosene, with excess fuel spilled around it, at a residence on Glade Street, according to the report. The owner of the can said it was used to fill a lawnmower. The can was taken into custody to check for prints.
Jay Armstrong said he saw the dog about noon Monday, lying on the sidewalk near where it was later found dead. Armstrong said he had nudged the dog to see if it was all right.
“It got up and ran off, but its back legs weren’t working very well,” he said.
Hours later, Janet McCoy found a dead pitbull in her yard, according to the report.
She contacted the city’s Streets Department, who instructed her to move the dog to her driveway where it could be picked up and properly disposed of.
But before they arrived, the animal had been set on fire.
Garner said there are no plans for an autopsy, and he is relying on McCoy’s testimony about the dog’s condition.
ANIMAL ABUSE LINKED TO HUMAN ABUSE
Scott Heiser, an attorney with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said animal cruelty is often reflected in other kinds of violence.
“People who engage in animal cruelty are five times more likely to engage in more serious forms of violence against humans,” Heiser said, quoting research done by his firm.
Heiser added that it has been documented that many high-profile serial killers had abused animals prior to torturing and killing humans.
“People who profile serial killers will tell you that animal cruelty in younger years in combination with fire starting and bed wetting are all strong indicators they could become very serious threats to the community,” he said.
Mary Ruth Rogers, former president of the Maury County Animal Shelter Association, said animal control officers have been negligent in their duty to patrol the city for stray animals.
“They need to get someone out there rolling on the streets 24/7,” she said. “This is just awful and it's just a reflection of how the people of the world are considering their pets as a disposable item.”
Story created Dec 03, 2008 - 16:33:34 EST. [/quote]
One of the worst stories I've had to cover this year... and that includes a double homicide. Just thought I'd spread the joy.
We got some anon tips today that say burning dogs alive is often used for gang initiations, and we have many rival gangs here -- offshoots of the Crips and Bloods (yes, they're real). If that is indeed the case, these kids fucked up because the dog was already dead, and I reported the shit out of this story.