L.A County D.A's Office: Man Charged With Setting Dog On Fire

Press release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office:

September 8, 2021

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that a man was charged today with killing a dog by setting it on fire.

“One of the most important responsibilities of my office is to protect the most vulnerable that includes our pets,” District Attorney Gascón said.

Brandon Jerold Smith (dob 3/29/97) of Los Angeles faces one felony count each of cruelty to an animal and arson of property of another.

Case TA155436 includes an allegation that Smith used lighter fluid as a deadly and dangerous weapon.

Arraignment is scheduled today in Department 12 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Compton Branch.

On August 22, the defendant allegedly hung his family’s dog on a fence – Hennessy, a Welsh corgi mix – and lit her on fire, prosecutors said.

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, Southeast Division.

This press release was produced by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The views expressed here are the author’s own.