Dog's Burning Sparks Worldwide Reaction
Group Starts Petition To Support Prosecution In Case
POSTED: 4:02 pm CDT July 11,
2007
UPDATED: 9:46 pm CDT July 11,
2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A petition drive is under way to prosecute five boys accused of burning a dog to the fullest extent of the law.
Video: Dog's Burning Ignites Anger From Around WorldLetters from around the world are pouring into the mayor and the district attorney appealing for justice for the animal and for the children involved.The dog was found two weeks ago in an alley off 11th Avenue North.The boys accused of setting the dog on fire live in the area.Letters of outrage have been pouring in to Metro Animal Control since the five juveniles admitted to setting a dog on fire."If these boys aren't punished severely, others will copycat this crime, perhaps on a human next time,” said Billy Biggs of Metro Animal Control.Biggs said Animal Control has received letters from Australia, Germany and Japan, among others.Internet petition drives have international addresses with thousands of names attached, Biggs said."Some are more outraged than others. Some of the e-mails are scary, but it does show people care,” Biggs said.The boys, between the ages of 9 and 13, each face charges of felony aggravated animal cruelty.Calls for justice have also reached the Washington D.C.-based Humane Society of the United States."We've heard from the prosecutor in this case, and we're pleased he's taking this case very seriously,” said Humane Society representative Dale Bartlett.According to Animal Control, the boys admitted to planning the attack and carrying it out nearly three weeks ago.The dog, a medium-sized shepherd mix was found dead in a north Nashville alley almost one week after she was seen running down a street covered in flames.“It’s consequences for they action. I’m not justifying what they done. If it’s wrong, it’s wrong,” said the mother of one of the teens.The group, Cause for Paws, has made up “Justice for Jane Dog” buttons.Supporters said they hope to wear the buttons during the juvenile's next court appearance.The boys’ punishment will be up to the discretion of the district attorney's office and the juvenile referee.The boys could do a few days or weeks of detention and/or community service.The boys’ hearing is set for next Thursday afternoon in juvenile court.
Video: Dog's Burning Ignites Anger From Around WorldLetters from around the world are pouring into the mayor and the district attorney appealing for justice for the animal and for the children involved.The dog was found two weeks ago in an alley off 11th Avenue North.The boys accused of setting the dog on fire live in the area.Letters of outrage have been pouring in to Metro Animal Control since the five juveniles admitted to setting a dog on fire."If these boys aren't punished severely, others will copycat this crime, perhaps on a human next time,” said Billy Biggs of Metro Animal Control.Biggs said Animal Control has received letters from Australia, Germany and Japan, among others.Internet petition drives have international addresses with thousands of names attached, Biggs said."Some are more outraged than others. Some of the e-mails are scary, but it does show people care,” Biggs said.The boys, between the ages of 9 and 13, each face charges of felony aggravated animal cruelty.Calls for justice have also reached the Washington D.C.-based Humane Society of the United States."We've heard from the prosecutor in this case, and we're pleased he's taking this case very seriously,” said Humane Society representative Dale Bartlett.According to Animal Control, the boys admitted to planning the attack and carrying it out nearly three weeks ago.The dog, a medium-sized shepherd mix was found dead in a north Nashville alley almost one week after she was seen running down a street covered in flames.“It’s consequences for they action. I’m not justifying what they done. If it’s wrong, it’s wrong,” said the mother of one of the teens.The group, Cause for Paws, has made up “Justice for Jane Dog” buttons.Supporters said they hope to wear the buttons during the juvenile's next court appearance.The boys’ punishment will be up to the discretion of the district attorney's office and the juvenile referee.The boys could do a few days or weeks of detention and/or community service.The boys’ hearing is set for next Thursday afternoon in juvenile court.
Previous Stories:
- June 29, 2007: Dog Found After Being Set On Fire
- June 28, 2007: Burning Dog Idea May Have Come From Game
- June 27, 2007: Police: Boys Set Dog On Fire
Copyright 2008 by WSMV.com. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Got a story idea? E-mail newstips to news@wsmv.com or call the newsroom 24/7 at 615-353-2231.
