[Warning: the above video may be disturbing]
A dog is being kept at an animal shelter after law enforcement learned about a horrifying video, where teenage girls appeared to set the dog on fire using an aerosol can and a lighter. The video was posted to social media app Snapchat, which allows users to post pictures and videos that vanish after being viewed, but that didn’t stop viewers of North Carolina’s FOX8 from tipping off reporters and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office.
The dog is reportedly expected to be just fine, suffering only singed fur, with no skin damage.
So far the suspects, ages 13 and 14, have not been charged with any crimes, but the case is now being handled by a juvenile investigator. The District Attorney’s office will determine whether to file charges. One of the suspects is allegedly the one who can be seen committing the act itself, while the other is allegedly the one who recorded the video. The video’s caption says “She burnt the dog,” followed by what appears to be a laughing emoji.
“At this point I have no idea what led up to the act. I just know what we saw with the video,” Sgt. David Posten of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office told the local station. “These could be very serious charges, and because of [their ages], we don’t rush into it.”
Local parents chimed in with what they think would be an appropriate punishment.
“Some kind of community service. I don’t think any jail time or anything like that,” Tim Brooks said.
“Maybe she should have to work at an animal shelter taking care of other animals,” said Jessica Harman.
[Image via screengrab]