CLEARLAKE >> An 11-year-old boy was arrested and charged with a felony violation of animal cruelty Thursday after a school staff member noticed a burn mark on his hand.
School Resource Officer Bobi Thompson was notified at around noon about the burn mark. When the child was asked how the injury occurred he reportedly admitted to burning himself while trying to light his dog on fire the previous day, according to Clearlake Police Department Officer Rodd Joseph. The boy told Thompson one of his dogs had urinated and defecated on the floor and, wanting to punish the dog, waited for his parents to leave the house and poured rubbing alcohol onto the dog”s back and lit a match.
The rubbing alcohol caught on fire partially burning some of the dog”s hair as well as the child”s hand. Neither burns required medical attention.
Thompson and Clearlake Animal Control Officer Jenna Tuller went to the child”s residence, located in the 16000 block of 20th Avenue, where they found three dogs; a young female Teacup Chihuahua, a young male Teacup Chihuahua and a male Dachshund. The female Teacup Chihuahua reportedly had some burned hair along the its back but did not need immediate veterinary care. The other two dogs appeared uninjured, Joseph stated. Tuller seized the three dogs from the home for safekeeping and further proceedings.
Thompson arrested the boy and booked him into Lake County Juvenile Hall. The child”s parents are fully cooperating with the investigation.
The case will be submitted to the Lake County Juvenile Probation Department for review of charges.
“The Clearlake Police Department and Clearlake Animal Control take cases of animal abuse seriously. Violators will be prosecuted,” Joseph stated. Anyone wishing to report suspected animal abuse is asked to call Tuller 994-8251 ext. 115.
