A man was charged Wednesday with killing a dog by setting it on fire, said Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.
“One of the most important responsibilities of my office is to protect the most vulnerable that includes our pets,” said Gascón.
Brandon Jerold Smith, 24, is charged with one felony count each of cruelty to an animal and arson of property of another.
Smith allegedly tied his family’s dog Hennessy, a Welsh corgi mix, to a fence at a South L.A. park on the night of Aug. 22. He then used lighter fluid to light Hennessy on fire, prosecutors said.
A witness to the alledged incident called 911.
Smith's ex-girlfriend, Serena Prentice, told ABC 7 she was horrified by Smith’s actions.
"Just to be burned alive is honestly disgusting," she said.
Prentice said she has a video of the seven-year old corgi playing with her son.
"Disgust honestly. I was super disgusted in him, angry," she said.
Smith’s sister, Stephanie, told Fox 11 that they had gone to law enforcement with videos Smith had supposedly posted of himself shooting at dogs through a fence.
"They just said to call animal control," she said.
Smith’s arraignment was scheduled for Wednesday at Compton’s Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The case is being investigated by the LAPD’s Southeast Division.
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