EAST CLEVELAND — A dog had to be euthanized after being set on fire in East Cleveland Friday morning, according to the East Cleveland Police Department.
"It was pretty apparent quickly that he had very severe burns over more than 30% of his body," said Dr. Jessica Alcorn.
Alcorn and registered tech Dianna Klimas at the Rainbow Veterinary Clinic tried desperately to save the pup.
"When he first came in I was shocked and horrified," said Alcorn. "I gave him pain meds right away."
But with his severe injuries, there wasn't much they could do.
"Where he was burned, he had no skin and you could see his muscles, his skin was gone," said Alcorn.
Residents of an apartment complex on Nelacrest Road said they found a stray dog and took it in, police said.
When the residents realized they didn’t have room in their apartment for the dog, they placed it in a crate and left it in the parking garage, according to police.
While the dog was in the crate, unknown persons came with a possible accelerant and lit the crate on fire, with the dog still inside, police said.
"When someone does a crime like this, it's not just one time," said Alcorn. "They are going to do something like this again to other animals,and to people too. I mean, when there's animal abusers they will also abuse people who are at risk. Children, elderly people, disabled people."
Suspects involved in the incident have not been identified at this time.
If you have any information, call the East Cleveland Dectective Bureau (216) 451-1234 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers (216) 252-7463.
