Alabama man James Williamson, 44, faces a felony charge after police say he placed the puppy in a hot oven because it was barking too much
Authorities said neighbors reported hearing yelping before police discovered the deceased puppy with severe burns outside the home
Sgt. Darrell McMann, who has a chihuahua of his own, said current penalties do not match the severity of the crime
A man has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after allegedly killing a chihuahua puppy by cooking it in a hot oven.
The incident occurred on Monday, May 19, in Atmore, Ala., where 44-year-old James Williamson resides. According to ABC affiliate WSFA and Fox affiliate WALA, Williamson allegedly threatened to shove the dog into the oven and turn it on because it was barking too much. Police told WALA that after arguing with a family member, the man 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 Atmore Police was shaken after finding a burned dog in a driveway following reports of yelps. Deeply moved, he urged for harsher animal cruelty laws, calling the act “horrible and inhumane.” The suspect, Williamson, faces a class C felony and a $15,000 bond.
