Man Charged With Animal Cruelty for Allegedly Setting Dog on Fire

A man was arrested Monday in Arcadia on allegations he set his dog on fire.

A dog named Hope is recovering in DeSoto county after police say the pet's owner chained her to a shed and set her on fire.

Owner Larry Wallace of Arcadia was arrested Monday and is being held without bond on charges of arson and animal cruelty, according to NBC affiliate WFLA.

Police initially responded to Wallace's home on March 20th after reports that the dog had been set on fire, WFLA reported. A child told investigators he saw Wallace throw water on the dog to stop the flames.

Investigators said the dog's living area smelled of gasoline and Wallace was taken in for questioning, but Wallace denied claims he started the fire, and was initially released, according to WFLA. It is not clear what new details caused authorities to arrest Wallace Monday.

Wallace is scheduled to appear in court May 19th. Meanwhile, Hope remains in intensive car at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa recovering.

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