An Indiana teen was arrested after dousing the family dog in gasoline and lighting him on fire because he allegedly thought his dad wanted the dog gone.
The incident occurred July 13. Marion Police were called to a home about a disturbance between Brian Cooper and his 18-year-old son Brennen, Fox 59 reported.
Cooper reportedly said his kids did not let the family dog, Bud, out of the house to use the bathroom resulting in a mess all over the house. Brennen told police his dad was very angry and because his brother and sisters weren’t doing anything to train the dog, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
“That’s when I went outside and did it,” Brennen said, adding that he got gas from the shed and lit Bud on fire.
Brennon also told police that his father said he didn’t care if the dog ran away or got hit by a car because he wanted the dog out of the house.
Cooper disputed that claim.
“I would never tell my children go chain the dog up and kill it. … My dogs are like family members to me,” Cooper told Fox 59, adding that his son has had a troubled past and just recently moved in with him three weeks ago.
The father said he’s been torn apart since his son was arrested.
“My concern was that if they let him go that he’d be mad enough to come back and possibly burn the house down with us in it. … I think he needs some attention,” Cooper said. “I think he needs to be looked at by some doctors, because I love him, he’s my son.”
Brennen was charged with a level 6 felony for animal cruelty. He was booked into Grant County Jail and is being held on $1,000 bond.
Bud, who suffered second-degree burns, is expected to make a full recovery.
Sources: Fox 59, The Indy Channel
Photo Credit: Fox 59