A man has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after allegedly k!lling a chihuahua puppy by cooking it in a hot oven.
The incident occurred on Monday, May 19, in Atmore, Alabama, where 44-year-old James Williamson resides.
Williamson allegedly threatened to shove the dog into the oven and turn it on because it was barking too much. After arguing with a family member, he allegedly put the puppy in the oven, turned the oven on and then placed a chair against the door to prevent the dog from escaping.
Sergeant Darrell McMann of the Atmore Police Department said that neighbours reported hearing yelps coming from inside the home before deputies arrived at the scene.
McMann said that when he arrived, he found the deceased dog in the driveway with severe burns on its body.
McMann said that he needed a moment to collect himself at the scene.
“When I got there, I was just at a loss for words, you know. I really just stood there and looked at the dog for a little bit and had to get myself together,” he said, adding that he has a chihuahua himself.
He also said he believes tougher penalties should be in place for those who commit acts of animal cruelty.
“I think in cases like this, they [the law] should be strengthened,” McMann said. “Because I don’t think being a class C felony fits what he did.”
He went on to describe the case as “horrible and inhumane.”
Williamson was charged with a class C felony and placed under a $15,000 bond.
If he is found guilty, he will be prohibited from owning animals in the future.
