Dad charged with setting puppy on fire--and forcing children to hold it (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Dad JOHN WILLIAM FLEET 3rd has been charged with animal cruelty, arson, and child endangerment. He allegedly set a puppy on fire, while forcing his two children, ages 6 and 8, to hold the puppy.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20100318_City_man_faces_multiple_charges_in_puppy_burning.html

Posted on Thu, Mar. 18, 2010

City man faces multiple charges in puppy burning

A Northeast Philadelphia man has been held for trial on charges of animal cruelty, arson, and child endangerment in connection with the burning of a pitbull-mix puppy Jan. 28. John William Fleet 3d, 33, appeared for a preliminary hearing before Municipal Judge Ricardo C. Jackson yesterday. He remained in custody in lieu of $200,000 bail.

Fleet told police that the 5-month-old dog had been burned accidentally, but his children, ages 6 and 8, later told a school counselor that their father had become enraged when the dog nipped at them. The children said Fleet had made them hold the dog while he set it on fire. - Joseph A. Slobodzian and Kathleen Brady Shea