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Dog Tied Up And Set On Fire At Virginia Park, Sparking Search For The Culprit
“This one makes us want to just sit on the floor and cry,” Richmond Animal Care and Control wrote about the abuse the dog they named Tommie has suffered.
A Virginia animal shelter is asking the public to help identify the man who set a dog on fire after tying it to a pole.
The male brindle pit bull, who rescuers have named Tommie, was found wearing a camo collar, tied to a pole in Abner Clay Park in Richmond. He was covered in accelerant and had been “intentionally set on fire,” according to a social media post from Richmond Animal Care and Control.
Witnesses at the scene said they saw an adult male who was “wearing multiple layers of pants” run from the scene Sunday night.
“I have to say that we don't get rattled by much at RACC, and have witnessed many ugly cases, but this one makes us want to just sit on the floor and cry,” the animal shelter wrote.
Officials at the shelter initially described Tommie as suffering burns over 40 percent of his body, but in a new post Wednesday morning staff said “new burn wounds have presented” and indicated that the old wounds had worsened.
“His pain is being managed and he’s comfortable, but our plans for treatment are changing,” they said.
Tommie is being treated at the Virginia Veterinary Centers, but a physician and nurse team from The Evans-Haynes Burn Center at the VCU Medical Center is also consulting on his case. The team plans to meet again today to determine the best treatment options for Tommie.
“Please know that recovery may not be an option but we are exploring every opportunity to find the best solution for our Tommie,” the shelter said in its latest post.
Anyone with information about the case is being urged to contact the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers.
“RACC Officers remain steadfast in their investigation to find the person responsible for this horrific crime,” the shelter said.
