VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A man in Virginia Beach has pleaded guilty to burning his dog while it was still alive.
The Virginian-Pilot reports that 27-year-old Arthur M. Vieira admitted to tying his dog’s legs together, muzzling its snout and setting it on fire while it was still alive. He pleaded guilty Monday to charges including torturing a companion animal.
Vieira faces up to seven years in prison when he’s sentenced Jan. 13. Prosecutor David Laird says he’ll ask for the maximum sentence.
Defense attorney Moody Stallings Jr. says the incident was out of character for Vieira. He noted that Vieira has no prior convictions and that there’s nothing in his background to explain the incident.
Vieira will remain in jail without bond until his sentencing.
