[Purple]

Family’s Dog Set Afire; 'It Was A Ball Of Fire With Legs'

Posted: 9:32 pm EST November 5, 2009Updated: 9:44 am EST November 6, 2009
ATLANTA -- A 1-year-old bulldog is fighting for his life after investigators said someone doused him with an accelerant, causing third-and fourth-degree burns to his face and mouth.

“They extend throughout the dog’s entire left side. At this juncture, we’re trying to see if we can save his left eye,” said a representative for the Atlanta Humane Society.

The dog was found Tuesday by a good Samaritan on McDaniel Street in Atlanta. The Samaritan immediately stopped her car to extinguish the dog using her own coat.

Investigators said “Chato” was let out to use the rest room and approximately 25 minutes later, the dog was seen about a block from his home on fire.

"I think they poured gasoline or put something in his mouth," said the dog's owner Victor Padilla. "I don't know. It's hard to believe. You know people do stuff like that to a dog, it's not human, it's an animal, it's your best friend. Why you do that?"

"It was a ball of fire with legs. That's the way it looked," said a neighbor. "It looked like it had been burnt pretty bad. Plus, you know, with the fright of the dog running adding oxygen to it."

Chato was taken to the Atlanta Humane Society Clinic, where he remains under supervision by the medical staff. He is suffering from third- and fourth-degree burns.

“Chato’s medical bills will cost upwards of $6,500 and we are currently seeking assistance to help pay for his care,” the Humane Society said.

Atlanta Humane Society investigators said they have a few leads, but are actively pursuing information to seek justice for "Chato."

They are offering a $5,000 reward furnished by the Holland M. Ware Charitable Trust for a tip leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

"I don't care how he looks like, he's still my puppy…that's it. I love my dog," said Padilla.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fulton County DA's office animal using at 404-499-4314.‬‪

News video at link:

Family’s Dog Set Afire; 'It Was A Ball Of Fire With Legs' - News Story - WSB Atlanta

[Dezzi]

I feel sick. That is so senseless and.... just Pure Evil. I hope they find who did this to that poor dog. I can think of some Real Good "punishments" for the piece of crap who thought that setting a dog on fire would be fun.

[Michele]

Whoever did this, needs their ass kicked and then kicked again. Bastards!

[dogmanhazel]

cruel world we are living in.hope he gets better.

[renae_nae]

That's just sick!!!

It is heartwarming to know that the owner said "I don't care how he looks like, he's still my puppy…that's it. I love my dog,"

[bluebrindle]

sick bastards

[Miakoda]

Cruel and disgusting.

And yet just one more reason to quit letting your dogs roam loose.

[GSGZZLR]

I hate cruel people!!!

[samuel64]

Originally Posted by Miakoda Cruel and disgusting. And yet just one more reason to quit letting your dogs roam loose.

Why does anyone let their dog loose to roam, I think that's stupid!

[Loki]

Originally Posted by renae_nae It is heartwarming to know that the owner said "I don't care how he looks like, he's still my puppy…that's it. I love my dog,"

I thought this was great too. I hope they find whoever did this.

[Hucklebutt]

$6,500? holly crap thats a lot of money, seems a bit extensive! poor dog, that person has major problems and needs to be found! hope i dont find them!

[APBTlover09]

UGH!! those effing bastards!! i hope someone sets those sick f**ks on fire.
WTF is wrong with people!!?

[juggalette17]

That makes me sick to my stomach, I couldnt imagine what I would do to someone if they did that to my Boss boy

[Rich09]

karmas a bitch!

[megschristina]

Poor dog.

Do they do grafts on dogs?

[Slang Wright]

I say this with all seriousness........

Call me violent, but if I got my hands on the person who did that to my dog they would need God to save them. I'd either kill them or come just short of it.

[ganja]

put the fuckers ass on fire and let him run around like a maniac... see how he likes that!
sometimes I'm ashamed (sp?) to be part of the human race...

[ashgeo25]

That brought tears to my eyes... that poor innocent puppy! people are disgusting how could someone hurt something so helpless and pure. Dogs are humans best friends and if someone EVER even looked at my dogs wrong I'd kill them well not just for looking at them wrong but I'd honestly FREAK out. My dogs are my babies and I would seriously kill for them. I'm so happy that the owners and the animal clinic are going forth and helping this puppy. I feel so bad!

[ganja]

if you would freak out for nasty looks you got the wrong breed lol
you need to have a thick skinn to own this breed