The owner tried to save the dog by taking it to a veterinarian for medical treatment but it died overnight on Tuesday.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi Animal Care Services is actively investigating an animal cruelty incident that occurred overnight between Monday and Tuesday.
According to city officials, CCACS received a report on Tuesday from someone claiming their dog was intentionally set on fire by their neighbor. An animal cruelty case was opened, which may also include arson.
Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni said the city is disturbed by this incident.
The owner tried to save the dog by taking it to a veterinarian for medical treatment but it died overnight. They discovered their dog after it was allegedly burned by their neighbor and reported it.
CCACS Field Supervisor Jamie Bowers said they initially responded to the incident on Tuesday and went back again on Wednesday.
“This morning, we followed up with our animal cruelty investigators the Corpus Christi Police Department and the fire department, it does not appear to be an accident,” Bowers said.
According to the Corpus Christi Fire Department Fire Marshal’s office, the fire occurred at the 2800 block of Prescott Street—not far from Crosstown Expressway.
They will review evidence gathered in the case to determine if it meets the criteria for arson. Bowers said the person who lit the fire faces felony charges of animal cruelty.
“There’s no excuse,” said Carolyn Vaughn, Corpus Christi At-Large City Council Member. “I can’t in my mind think how anybody could be so cruel to go set an animal on fire and it happens all too often in this city—cruelty to animals.”
Vaughn added that it is important for people to report any instances of animal abuse.
Zanoni said it is unclear why the incident happened. The city is checking if there were repeat occurrences involving the person who set the fire.
“Harm or danger that is caused, any cruelty that is placed upon somebody else’s dog or even their own dog, cat, or other pet is something we take very seriously,” he said.
Zanoni explained that once evidence is gathered from this instance of animal cruelty, a case will be developed and presented to a judge.
“Our goal is to prosecute, if the case is prosecutable, the person that is inflicting the harm on the pet of the other party,” he said. “There’s no exception here—it is wrong to be cruel to animals.”
CCACS will combine evidence with CCPD and CCFD.
Bowers said CCPD will continue with a criminal investigation and prosecution will be a collaborative effort.