A juvenile confessed to causing horrific injuries to a dog by setting it on fire, according to law enforcement officials.
Captain Lisa Sanders from the Investigation Division of the Tate County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to the 1400 block of Peavine Road on Thursday, April 22, at approximately 4 p.m., and found a male mixed Labrador retriever named “Buddy” with a green extension cord tightly tied around his neck and extreme burns covering his face.
Officials said the dog was obviously tortured and deliberately set on fire.
The animal cruelty case was a hot topic on many social media sites last week as investigators searched for suspects connected to the case. A reward of $12,500 was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.
The Tate County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement Wednesday, April 28, that said a juvenile admitted to purposely injuring the dog and criminal charges won’t be filed because the person is underage.
“We are just as frustrated as anyone that more cannot be done through the justice system regarding the juvenile in this case,” Sheriff Brad Lance stated. “Our investigators worked hard on this case and they also are frustrated. We didn’t write the laws of our state.”
Dog abuse is a felony crime punishable by up to three years in prison but no one under age 12 can be charged with a crime, according to Mississippi law.
“While I can tell everyone that things are being done regarding this juvenile, I am prohibited from releasing details,” Lance explained.
Buddy was transported by officials from the scene on Peavine Road to Stateline Animal Clinic in DeSoto County. He was treated at Bluff City Vet Specialists in Memphis on Monday, April 26, where his wounds were cleaned and his head was wrapped in bandages to protect delicate skin and prevent further infection, officials said.
Buddy is currently under around-the-clock care at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University where the removal of charred and damaged skin from his face began early last week.
“The main concern will be ensuring that he does not develop infection,” said Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, associate professor and veterinary surgeon. “Things can change rapidly in this situation, and we are doing everything we can to stay on top of any problems that may arise and to provide him with the very best care.”
Swanson said Buddy’s vital signs are good, but he is at “the bottom of a tall mountain to be climbed.”
“We are keeping him comfortable, changing his bandages, and managing any problems as they arise,” said Swanson. “Burns can take several days to fully manifest, so we are still assessing the full extent of damage.”
The Tunica Humane Society continuously updates Buddy’s status on social media and posted late last week “he is eating well and wagging his tail despite being on heavy pain medication to keep him comfortable.”
