- Tennessee, USA -
The Memphis-based nonprofit Tails of Hope Dog Rescue is facing an extreme case that goes beyond cruel.
On the evening of Monday, June 20, a dog screaming in pain and running down the street while on fire, caught the attention of residents of the Nutbush community, near Chelsea and Graham in Memphis, who then ran out into the streets.
The horrific act was caught on camera. Part of the footage exclusively published by FOX 13, showed many people running out of their homes all in the same direction. One resident can be seen with a water hose and another neighbor, Ms. Ashlie Craft, came out with a bucket and filled it with water from her pool trying to put out the flames.
A fast-acting Good Samaritan jumped in and put out the flames to rescue the young pup believed to be 1 year old.
The Memphis Police Department was immediately called to the scene, and the furbaby was taken to Bluff City Veterinary Specialists.
Kylie Hunter, a Vet Technician at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists, told FOX 13: “Somebody set this dog on fire. Someone purposely set this dog on fire.”
The dog, now named Riona, was fully examined and Tails of Hope Dog rescue said she was “doused with diesel fuel ( high odor still on her ) and burnt. Lots of raw burnt skin and singed fur.” Riona suffered fourth degree burns to her face and left side, and first to second-degree burns on other parts of her body. Tails of Hope Dog Rescue also said that Riona has “a cut around her neck from a tie up cord.”
The nonprofit said in a Facebook post: “Someone knows who did this. She has old scars from previous injuries, meaning she has been a victim of abuse for a while.”
Memphis Police are investigating this act of absolute evil. Whoever did this to a defenseless breathing being unable to dial for help is not just cruel. The individual is soulless, heartless, and most of all a filthy coward!
A reward of $5,500 is being offered in exchange for information leading to a criminal conviction of the monster who did this to Riona.
If you have ANY information, I beg you, come forward and submit your tips to Memphis Police. Thank you!
If you wish and can afford to help out Tails of Hope Dog Rescue with Riona’s medical bills, these are the ways to do it:
Venmo @tailsofhopedogrescue
PayPal tailsofhopedr@yahoo.com
By Mail: Po Box 30245 Memphis TN 38118
Thank you!
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
Pictures shared from Tails of Hope Dog Rescue.
