NC Man Arrested for Setting Dog on Fire

A shocking case of animal cruelty was finally solved in North Carolina and a man was arrested for burning a dog and leaving it to die. That man's mother though said that he didn't mean to do it.

LaShawn Whitehead, 20, confessed Monday to burning the 3-month-old shepherd pit bill mix and leaving it to die in Greenfield Park in Greensboro, N.C. in late August.

"In my heart [I know] he didn't mean to do it," said Sally Laws. "He just broke down in the room and said 'Mom, sorry I'm sorry.' And I said 'Why did you do it?' and he said 'I thought the puppy jumped on the baby.' He thought the puppy was going to attack the baby, his newborn son," recounted Laws.

Laws said Whitehead lived with his girlfriend and their baby and the dog belonged to his girlfriend.

"He has a lot of mental issues going on with him. He had a brother get hit by a car and he died in his arms, so he's got a whole lot of mental issues going on with him right now." said Laws about her son.

Now the puppy, who's been named Susie, is recovering at a foster family's house from her injuries, which include burns covering more than 60 percent of its body, missing ears, teeth, and a broken jaw.

"There are so many more options," said Guilford County animal shelter director Marsha Williams. She also added that Susie serves as an advocate for animal abuse.

Williams hopes others can learn from this incident and know there are other options, than abusing a pet.

"She's been such a wonderful pet and she's been a spokesperson for animal abuse. We're hoping that people are going to see her and think about that before they decide to do something so cruel to another animal."

The Greensboro News & Record reported that Whitehead has been charged with felony animal cruelty and burning personal property. He is being held at the Guilford County jail in Greensboro on a $5,000 bond. His first court appearance is set for Tuesday.