Puppy Burned With Blowtorch By PA Woman: Police

WASHINGTON, PA — A Western Pennsylvania woman is facing felony animal cruelty charges after being accused of using a blow torch lighter on a 10-month-old female English Bulldog's genitals.

Brianne Venneri, 23, of California PA, has been charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, including torture and serious injury.

Pennsylvania State Police said the dog's owner, James Baird, 42, came to their Washington barracks Monday to report that the dog had been abused. He said Venneri, his girlfriend, had injured the dog at his home while he was away.

According to court documents, Wade smelled burnt hair when he returned home and noticed burn marks on the dog's underside. When Wade confronted Venneri, she left the home with the blow torch.

The dog, named Spunky, was treated for its injuries at a veterinary hospital. A GoFundMe page has been established to help Wade pay for the estimated $9,000 in total treatment costs.

Spunky " is on oxygen, an IV, pain meds, and catheter because she has blood in the urine. She could possibly even have to have surgery to repair her private area," wrote fundraiser organizer Richel Selestow. "This dog did not deserve this type of abuse and torture."

Venneri is free on bond. She faces a preliminary hearing on the charges in April.