An Alabama man allegedly cooked his pet Chihuahua in the oven after it wouldn’t stop barking — a tragic discovery made by a distressed police officer who also owns a Chihuahua.
James Williamson, 44, from Atmore near the Florida border, reportedly got into an argument with a relative and threatened to put the puppy in the oven if it didn’t quiet down, according to officials speaking with FOX 10.
Authorities say Williamson then grabbed the dog, placed it in the hot oven, and wedged a chair against the door to keep it from escaping.
James Williamson, 44, is accused of killing his Chihuahua by placing it in an oven, authorities say. — Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
Neighbors called the police after hearing the harrowing yelping of the dying dog, according to Sergeant Darrell McMann. When he arrived, he found the puppy’s charred remains laid out on the driveway.
“I have a Chihuahua myself,” Sergeant McMann said.
“When I got there, I was just at a loss for words. I stood there for a moment, looked at the dog, and had to gather myself,” he added.
Williamson faces charges of aggravated animal cruelty, a Class C felony, and is currently held on a $15,000 bond.
If released, he will be prohibited from owning animals in the future.
In Alabama, aggravated animal cruelty is classified as a lower-tier felony.
Arresting officer Sergeant Darrell McMann found the dog’s charred remains on the driveway.
Williamson allegedly wedged a chair against the oven door to prevent the Chihuahua from escaping.
This means Williamson could potentially avoid a significant prison sentence, depending on his prior record and the court’s judgment.
“I believe laws should be tougher in cases like this,” Sergeant McMann said.
“Because I don’t think a Class C felony fits what he did. That charge barely captures the horrible and inhumane nature of his actions,” he said.
