:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(649x430:651x432)/Man-Kills-Chihuahua-james-williamson-052625-a9ddd7bc389f4cb794d9e7ce22b48c13.jpg "Man Allegedly Killed His Chihuahua by Stuffing It in the Oven and Cooking the Dog Because It Barked Too Much")
NEED TO KNOW
- Alabama man James Williamson, 44, faces a felony charge after police say he placed the puppy in a hot oven because it was barking too much
- Authorities said neighbors reported hearing yelping before police discovered the deceased puppy with severe burns outside the home
- Sgt. Darrell McMann, who has a chihuahua of his own, said current penalties do not match the severity of the crime
A man has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after allegedly killing a chihuahua puppy by cooking it in a hot oven.
The incident occurred on Monday, May 19, in Atmore, Ala., where 44-year-old James Williamson resides. According to ABC affiliate WSFA and Fox affiliate WALA, Williamson allegedly threatened to shove the dog into the oven and turn it on because it was barking too much. Police told WALA that after arguing with a family member, the man allegedly put the puppy in the oven, turned the oven on and then placed a chair against the door to prevent the dog from escaping.
Sergeant Darrell McMann of the Atmore Police Department told WALA that neighbors reported hearing yelps coming from inside the home before deputies arrived on the scene. McMann said that when he arrived, he found the deceased dog in the driveway with severe burns on its body.
McMann told WALA that he needed a moment to collect himself at the scene. “When I got there, I was just at a loss for words, you know. I really just stood there and looked at the dog for a little bit and had to get myself together,” he said, adding that he has a chihuahua himself.
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He also said he believes tougher penalties should be in place for those who commit acts of animal cruelty.
“I think in cases like this, they [the law] should be strengthened,” McMann told the outlet. “Because I don’t think being a class C felony fits what he did.” He went on to described the case as “horrible and inhumane.”
Williamson was charged with a class C felony and placed under a $15,000 bond. If he is found guilty, he will be prohibited from owning animals in the future.
PEOPLE reached out to the Atmore Sheriff’s Office for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.
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