[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
This is so , so sad.
A Los Angeles man, identified as Brandon Jerold Smith , has been arrested after allegedly setting his family dog on fire.
According to surveillance footage on August 22, ABC7 revealed the suspect was seen walking a Welsh corgi mix named Hennessy (above) down the street near 88th and San Pedro. He was spotted heading into a park before he disappeared from the camera’s view. When he walked back, the dog was no longer with him and flames erupted in the particular background.
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The Los Angeles Times reported that the dog was hung on a fence and lit on fire during typically the tragic act of cruelty. A prosecutor told the outlet police believe Brandon used lighter fluid as a “deadly and dangerous weapon. ”
Hennessy was taken to a local rescue group called A Purposeful Rescue , but after two days was transported to a local animal hospital where she later died (on August 28) because of her severe injuries, including “organ failure. ” Founder of the animal rescue, Hillary Rosen , described the poor pup’s health, telling ABC7 :
“She was burnt all over her body. There was swelling throughout the girl body, from her paws, to her ears, her neck, the woman stomach, her whole back had welts. ”
Smith was arrested for one count of felony animal cruelty on Saturday, according to the LAPD. He is currently being held on a $100, 000 bond. On Wednesday, KTLA5 announced that Smith pleaded not guilty to the charges and is expected back in court on September 22.
His ex-girlfriend, Serena Prentice , has been vocal about this “honestly disgusting” alleged crime, speaking with multiple outlets since the arrest. After sharing a clip of her son playing with the 7-year-old dog (which you can see above, along with the surveillance footage), she told the outlet:
“I was super disgusted in him, [I was] angry. ”
Sadly, this devastating incident did not fully surprise her. She claimed Brandon had been “setting things on fire” during Instagram live streams throughout August, including “birds. ” She also alleged her ex, whom she has a restraining order against, used drugs and has been struggling with his mental health.
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In an interview with NBC4 , Serena shared:
“Before this even took place, this individual was threatening me. I was calling the police station several times. ”
Her sister, Stephanie Prentice , couldn’t even grasp the “heartbreaking” situation, musing upon the beloved dog’s final moments:
“You sit here and take this canine for a walk, and she thinking she’ s enjoying a nice walk to the park plus you tie her up, and you get her on fire. ”
Stephanie also said the shocking footage has been “unbelievable to watch. ” Serena added, as if speaking to Hennessy’ s alleged killer:
“You ended up killing the very innocent dog that truly loved you. I’ m super disgusted — and you will live with that. ”
Also distraught over this violence, Hillary, whose animal rescue organization has been campaigning for justice online, concluded:
“That’s an individual that I do not want out walking around. Someone who will certainly do that to an animal would probably do that to a new person. ”
Wow… So, so heartbreaking! We’re going to snuggle our dogs extra close tonight. No innocent creature should ever be subject in order to this insane and gut-wrenching rudeness. R. I. P., Hennessy.
[Image via A Purposeful Rescue/ Instagram ]
The post Los Angeles Man Arrested For Allegedly Setting His Dog On Fire appeared first on Perez Hilton .
