Teens stand accused of burning puppy

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo Police detectives announced late Tuesday night two arrests in the case of a burned 16-week-old puppy.

There's been a tremendous amount of interest in "Phoenix," the Jack Russell Terrier that was severely burned last month. The puppy has been under the care of the Buffalo Small Animal Hospital after being found burning in a neighborhood on Herman Street.

PHOTO GALLERY | See images of how hurt Phoenix was in this attack

The public was outraged and poured donations into the hospital to help with medical expenses. Now police say they have made two arrests in the case.

Police announced Tuesday night that two older teens are facing charges for allegedly lighting the small dog on fire. Charges are being finalized but both are likely facing felony animal cruelty charges. Police have not released their names.

Buffalo Police Spokesman Mike DeGeorge says a tip from the public over the weekend led to Tuesday's arrest. The suspects did have a relationship with the dog's owner.

"The investigation continues right now. I don't know if there are other suspects at this time," DeGeorge said.

RELATED | See News 4's interview with the woman who called for help after realizing with horror that someone had set the puppy on fire

Phoenix continues to recover from his injuries. Dr. Rebecca Wagner, who's treating the puppy, said, "I both spirit and physically I think he's doing a lot better."

"We did skin grafting of the neck, the arm pit. Took off the dead tissue on the ears, and pulled over some tissue to try to salvage the leg," Dr. Wagner explained.

But she and staff at the Buffalo Small Animal Hospital are still concerned about Phoenix's left hind leg.

Wagner said, “Phoenix is doing very well, we've changed the antibiotics. His leg, we're still hoping he'll be able to keep it. We don't know if we'll need to amputate it, but we're taking it day by day.”

PHOTO GALLERY | See images of what Phoenix looks like now, about two weeks after the attack

Dr. Wagner said, "We expect seven to 10 days from now, based on how the tissue is looking around the region, that we'll be able to make a better decision whether it's going to be salvageable or not."

Police have not released the suspects’ names, but say that both suspects will be charged as adults.