San Mateo County Couple Charged in Burning Death of Their Dog

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA -- A San Mateo County couple has been charged with the burning death of their 2-year-old dog, the Peninsula Humane Society and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced Monday.

On May 1, Shelby Lujan brought the dog named Sprocket to an emergency veterinary clinic, more than a week after she said he was injured, according to the humane society.

Sprocket had suffered third-degree burns on 40 percent of his body. The clinic tried to save the dog, but he succumbed to the injuries and died within a few hours.

Lujan and her boyfriend Paul Souter claimed that a cup of boiling water had accidentally spilled into Sprocket's crate, but that they waited more than a week to take him to the vet, according to the humane society.

An expert forensic veterinarian determined that the pattern and severity of the injuries was consistent with the dog being lowered or placed in scalding liquid.

"The details of this case are horrific," PHS/SPCA president Ken White said in a statement. "After the scalding, the poor dog endured days of horrendous suffering. We hope our investigation will provide the evidence needed to bring Sprocket justice, and ensure that his owners are unable to hurt any
other animals," White said.

Lujan was released on bail, while Souter remains in custody.

Lujan's pre-trial conference is scheduled for Oct. 6, and her preliminary hearing will take place Oct. 18, San Mateo County prosecutors said.

Souter was charged separately, after Lujan, because of additional evidence that surfaced, according to Deputy District Attorney Al Serrato. Souter's first court appearance has not yet been announced.

--Bay City News. Image via Shutterstock

--Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the couple was from Burglingame.