Man Charged With Aggravated Cruelty After Dog Set on Fire in Mobile County, Deputies Say
A Mobile County man faces an aggravated animal cruelty charge after a pit bull was set on fire in a backyard Oct. 30, the sheriff’s office said. The dog is in critical condition.
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. — A 46-year-old man is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after a dog set on fire in a backyard last week was left in critical condition, according to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.
Ryan Nelson was arrested Friday, Oct. 30, the sheriff’s office said. Jail records show he was released later that night on a $3,000 bond, and he is scheduled for a court hearing Nov. 19.
What the sheriff’s office says
Deputies were sent to East Allenby Street at about 4 p.m. after an anonymous caller reported that a man had set a dog on fire. They detained Nelson, who matched the caller’s description, according to the sheriff’s office. Court documents place the incident at 3:30 p.m.
Detectives determined the incident took place in the backyard of the residence and involved a pit bull, the sheriff’s office said. Nelson was arrested after investigators consulted with the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said Nelson told investigators he used lighter fluid and matches on the dog and claimed he was defending himself from the animal. Investigators said they found no evidence that he had been bitten or otherwise injured by the dog.
Nelson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Dog in critical condition
Authorities said the dog was taken to a veterinarian and remains in critical condition.
“Animal cruelty is unacceptable, and we take these cases very seriously,” Sheriff Paul Burch said in a statement. “There is absolutely no justification for intentionally setting an animal on fire. Animals depend on us for their care and protection, and anyone who chooses to deliberately inflict this kind of suffering will be held accountable.”
Burch also commended deputies and investigators for their response.
The charge and how to report cruelty
Under Alabama law, aggravated cruelty to a dog or cat is a felony, a step above lesser cruelty charges that are prosecuted as misdemeanors. The classification generally depends on how severe the alleged conduct was and how much the animal suffered.
The sheriff’s office reminded the public that suspected animal cruelty should be reported to law enforcement immediately.
