Man arrested after pit bull set on fire in Queens as animal groups demand maximum penalty
NEW YORK — A suspect is in custody after surveillance footage captured a dog being doused in gasoline and set on fire in the South Ozone Park section of Queens, sparking widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger federal animal cruelty laws.
The July 24 incident was recorded by a surveillance camera and showed a man dragging a lifeless pit bull into the street before igniting the animal’s body with flammable liquid and fleeing the scene. The NYPD’s Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad, in partnership with the ASPCA, quickly identified and apprehended the suspect, who now faces felony charges under New York’s animal cruelty laws.
Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy praised the NYPD’s swift response and are urging prosecutors to seek the harshest sentence available.
“Dousing a dog in gasoline and setting her on fire is a monstrous act of cruelty and moral depravity,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of both organizations.
The case has reignited debate over the need for stronger federal laws addressing animal cruelty. Advocates are pressing Congress to pass the Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act, H.R. 1477, which would establish a dedicated section within the U.S. Department of Justice to prosecute egregious acts of animal abuse.
Introduced in February, the bill is backed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including U.S. Reps. David Joyce (R-Ohio), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.).
Supporters argue that enhancing enforcement of animal cruelty laws is not just about protecting animals, but also public safety, citing research that links animal abuse with future acts of violence against people.