The Shadow
Dear Editor,
WSLS-TV in Roanoke recently did a story on a man who tied a dog to a pole and set him on fire.
The dog was taken to the Richmond Animal Control and Care Center. Forty percent of his body was burned and he had to be sedated. The dog later died.
A?fund was set up for the dog’s care. That fund has since become a?$25,000 reward. I?would encourage people to donate to help cover the dog’s veterinary bills and contribute to this reward. You can call 1-804-646-5573 to talk to the people who cared for him and obtain information on how to make a donation.
Legislation before the Virginia General Assembly increases the penalty for cruelty to animals.
Senate Bill 1604 increases from a Class I misdemeanor to a Class 6 felony the penalty for cruelly or unnecessarily beating, maiming, mutilating or killing a dog or cat. The current law requires that the dog or cat die as a direct result of torture or inhumane injury or pain before the violation is considered a Class 6 felony.
This bill recently passed the Senate by a 40-0 vote.
I?was heartbroken by this story and wanted to share it with your readers.
Thank you,
Pam Austin
Detroit Street, Covington
