A 44-year-old man from Atmore, Alabama, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after allegedly killing a chihuahua puppy by placing it in a hot oven.
The incident reportedly took place on Monday, May 19. James Williamson allegedly threatened to put the dog in the oven due to its excessive barking. Following an argument with a family member, Williamson is accused of putting the puppy inside the oven, turning it on, and blocking the oven door with a chair to prevent the dog from escaping.
Neighbors alerted authorities after hearing the dog’s distress, prompting police to respond. Sergeant Darrell McMann of the Atmore Police Department described the scene as deeply upsetting.
“When I arrived, I was at a loss for words. I just stood there looking at the dog, trying to collect myself,” McMann said. He noted that he owns a chihuahua himself, making the incident even more personal.
Sergeant McMann called for tougher laws against animal cruelty, stating, “I think the penalties should be stronger. A class C felony does not seem to fit what happened here.”
Williamson was charged with a class C felony and released on a $15,000 bond. If convicted, he will be barred from owning animals in the future.
