Man accused of setting ex-girlfriend's puppy on fire
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Police say a woman's ex-boyfriend set her dog on fire after an argument, pouring lighter fluid over the 7-month-old Chihuahua mix and injuring her.
CBS affiliate WRAL reports that 23-year-old James Quick was charged Monday with injuring Dominique Clark's dog, Cocoa, on Sunday.
"I have leaves in my backyard and I kind of heard her when she rushed into the leaves trying to put herself out," Clark told WRAL. "And she was screaming and hollering."
Clark says Cumberland County Animal Control took Cocoa to Animal Urgent Care in Fayetteville, where she was told treatment would cost about $1,000. She says she was unable to afford it, so she took her dog home and put ointment on the animal's legs.
Quick was charged with animal cruelty and burning of personal property. He was arrested Sunday on unrelated charges of possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.
Authorities say the two dated, but Clark told CBS affiliate WRAL they never dated.
Officials say the puppy is recovering.
"She's in good spirits," said Dr. Sarah Morgan, a veterinarian who treated Cocoa, told WRAL. "She's resting comfortably. She's had some pain medication. We're rehydrating her right now. She's got some antibiotics on board for secondary infection. And she's already stolen the hearts of everyone here."
Earlier this month, a Missouri woman accused of setting a dog on fire had charges against her dropped after problems arose with a witness. Adrienne Martin was accused of setting a terrier mix on fire in July 2013. The dog's burns were so bad, he had to be euthanized.