Los Angeles County
A man was charged Wednesday with killing a dog by setting it on fire, according to officials.
“One of the most important responsibilities of my office is to protect the most vulnerable that includes our pets,” District Attorney George Gascón said.
Brandon Jerold Smith, 24, of Los Angeles faces one felony count each of cruelty to an animal and arson of property of another.
Smith allegedly used lighter fluid as a deadly and dangerous weapon.
On August 22, the defendant allegedly hung his family’s dog on a fence – Hennessy, a Welsh corgi mix – and lit her on fire, prosecutors said.
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, Southeast Division.