NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- An alleged crime that sparked international outrage is now drawing the attention of a state lawmaker.

Video: Lawmaker Considers Legislation After Dog Burning

Five teenagers are charged with burning a dog to death in a north Nashville neighborhood.

When some of them appeared in court Thursday, a state representative also showed up.

Janis Sontany came to court Thursday and said that the dog’s burning has prompted her to consider new legislation, part of which would hold parents more responsible.

People from around the world have responded and called for justice for the people involved.

“I’ve been studying all of these issues with juveniles, and I think we need to hold the parents more accountable,” Sontany said.

Sontany said she was motivated to action after hearing about the alleged burning.

Prosecutors said the teens had planned the attack.

“So that’s the question that I’m asking, ‘Where are the parents?’” Sontany said.

Should legislation change to criminally charge parents for their children’s actions?

“I think until you can hold the parents accountable, you don’t have any influence of the children,” she said.

Sontany said she also wonders if the charge of aggravated animal cruelty, now a class E felony for juveniles, should be increased. If the teens in this case are found guilty and receive the ultimate punishment, they will only be put into Department of Children’s Services custody.

“I really would hope that it could be something more severe. Something that would make it be a life-changing situation for these children,” she said.

Animal advocates are pushing Sontany to push legislation.

A trial date was set for three of the teenagers Thursday.

The parents of the teens said they had no comment.

Currently, parents can be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Sontany said she wonders if that charge can be upgraded to make it more serious to get more attention.