Bucks Co. Man Set Dog On Fire: SPCA

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — The Bucks County SPCA has filed an animal cruelty charge against a Bristol Township man for allegedly disciplining his dog by setting it on fire.

The misdemeanor charge was filed Friday against James Ruiz, 30, of the 3200 block of Malinda Drive for putting an animal at risk of bodily injury.

A neighbor reported the May 13 incident to the Bristol Township Police Department. The township’s animal control officer subsequently reached out to the Bucks County SPCA to investigate.

During the investigation, an eyewitness told Bucks County Humane Society Police Officer Nikki Thompson that Ruiz had raised his voice at the Samoyed dog and then set him on fire before quickly extinguishing the flames.

An examination of the dog showed singed fur and whiskers, but no injuries to the animal’s skin, said Thompson.

“It’s a horrible thing for any animal to go through,” said Thompson. “Fortunately, we had eyewitnesses willing to step up and help get the dog out of that situation.”

The dog has been taken from the home and is being housed and cared for by SPCA while the case proceeds through the court system.