Severely Burnt Puppy Euthanized After Heartless Man Sets It On Fire

In a horrific incident, a six-month-old puppy had to be euthanized after it was deliberately set on fire by a man.

The distressing case of animal cruelty happened in Sydney around 3:20 am Friday (ET 1:20 pm Thursday), reports ABC News.

Emergency services were called to a unit in Sydney’s southwest following reports of a fire. Police and fire crews gained access to the unit and managed to extinguish the blaze. But, the fire had already caused significant damage by then.

The fire department personnel were checking for damages on the property when they saw the puppy in a cage on the balcony. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier had already suffered severe burns in the incident and was suffering, following which authorities decided to put it down. "The puppy was subsequently humanely euthanized by police," the officials said.

Authorities added that neighbors managed to flee before emergency services arrived at the spot. Nobody was injured in the blaze.

According to police, a crime scene was established and an investigation was launched into the incident. Following this, the occupant of the unit, a 39-year-old man was arrested and taken to Liverpool police station, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

After questioning him, police decided to charge him with committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal and damaging property by fire. He was refused bail after his appearance at Liverpool Local Court. Further investigation is on into the motive and police are urging people with information to contact them.

Meanwhile, the barbaric act was condemned by many. In a statement issued soon after, New South Wales MP Emma Hurst, who represents the Animal Justice Party, said the alleged cruelty was "sickening and unimaginable." Hurst added that the state’s penalties for animal abusers are "pathetic" and outdated.

As per the New South Wales law, individuals found guilty of animal cruelty face a $5500 (USD 4250.72) fine and/or six months’ jail. Aggravated cruelty can land a convicted individual in jail for two years and attract a fine of $22,000 (USD 16997.28 ) fine.

In a similar incident, a man was arrested after he allegedly shot a dog who stole his golf ball while he was golfing at a luxury resort. The incident happened in Puerto Rico last week. Police said the accused was shooting in hole number 11 and the dog, which was nearby, took the ball before it went to the cup. The enraged golfer then shot the animal three times with a pistol.