Andrea Rosebrock 
Update 6/8/09 – Juveniles Arrested in Pitbull Burning in Baltimore – VIDEO
Again a pitbull is the victim of unbelievable cruelty, this time in Baltimore. The little girl that rescuers named Phoenix, has burns over almost 100% of her body and the worry of infection is extreme. Someone doused her with gasoline then set her on fire Wednesday around noon in the 1600 block of Presbury St. Initially taken to the Swan Harbor Animal Hospital, she was transferred to Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) where the hope is that she will survive.
Found in flames, screaming in pain as bystanders looked on, a Baltimore Police officer, Syreeta Teel, used a sweater to douse the flames and called for help.
“This was one of the most cruel things I’ve ever seen. It hurt me to my heart,” said Baltimore city police Officer Syreeta Teel.
“We’re going to do quite a bit of prayer, a lot of antibiotics, a lot of bandage changes. Just sometimes, the body just kind of goes into shutdown, really,” said veterinarian Dr. Marcella Bonner.
“I think she’s going to get worse before she gets better, if she does get better,” Bonner said. “But she’s trying. I can’t believe she’s even survived what she’s survived.”
Officials call it one of the worse cases of animal cruelty they have ever seen.
“No animal deserves this type of treatment,” said Jennifer Mead-Brause, executive director at BARCS.
Police have no suspects and are continuing to investigate. BARCS is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone found responsible for setting the dog on fire. Call 410-396-4698 and ask for the animal enforcement officer supervisor at the city’s Bureau of Animal Control.
I have no doubt there are people who know who did this. There were people just standing around watching her burn. Now just to get someone to come forward. Honestly, I can’t say I hold out much hope but more surprising things have happened.
What is amazing is that despite the amazing amount of pain Phoenix must have been in, this sweet girl, who they believe may have also been involved in dogfighting previously, remained sweet and continued to wag her tail. Initially they thought her chances of survival were slim but they have more hope now. All we can do is wait and pray for this poor little girl.
Pitbulls, one of the most maligned breeds of dog is also the most abused and tortured. These dogs, which can be the most loving and loyal, that want only to please and will do anything trained and asked of them should be so much more in fear of “man” than the other way around! Banned, euthanized by the hundreds, beaten, starved, tortured, abused… trained to be angry and vicious… is it any wonder that on occasion they strike out when in the hands of monsters? And yet again and again, you hear the stories of these abused and tortured dogs, suffering and in pain, wagging their tags and licking the hands of their rescuers.
I am a person who abhors violence but when I hear cases like this, of horrific abuses against innocents; animals, children, the elderly, those who cannot defend themselves, it brings out in me an evil side that I never knew existed and I would honestly like to see the wastes of human life who think its fun, exciting, thrilling, to inflict pain and suffering, get a measure of what they dish out! I don’t want to hear that “it’s just a dog!” What about next time when it may not be “just a dog” and these scum are running free because someone thought it was okay to abuse n animal?
Animal abuser must be caught and they must be punished seriously! People continue to get a slap on the wrist; fines, probation, a few days in jail, what kind of a message does this send? None! I just want to scream!
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Update – 6/31/09
It is with great sadness and heavy heart that I must pass along the sad news that Phoenix was euthanized. Her kidneys began to fail and vets determined that her chance of survival was little to none. In an act of kindness, hospital staff, hoping that some sunshine would give her a bit of happiness, took the critically injured dog outside where she was humanely euthanized.
As I write this, the tears are falling but there is anger burning in my heart for the miserable wastes of life who could do something so vicious and cruel to such an innocent and defenseless creature! Whether they are ever caught by the hand of man, I am confident that they will feel the same heat of flames that Phoenix did but there will be no reprieve for them! Burn in hell!
Oh D, that poor little sweet thing – I cannot imagine the pain she felt while she was in flames. I thank God that Officer Teel was there for Phoenix. There are some good people in law enforcement!
I too, am not an evil person, but when I read and see atrocities like this, I want to beat the hell out of the person who did this awful act of cruelty. How anyone can look in a dogs eyes and put them into a dog fighting situation, beat them, neglect them, or set them afire is beyond my comprehension. Humans who do these sort of things are not humans, they are the scum of the earth. Why is it that in the animal world, most animals get along just fine – even caring for others young, but humans getting their rocks off watching dogfighting and hurting an animal, they need to be put in a cage to live out their lives, with the same neglect or same actions they put upon the animals.
God Bless Phoenix, and she will get better, survive this God awful mess, and hopefully be placed into a loving home where she will be appreciated and treated with the highest respect. And God Bless Officer Teel for such a quick response and aid to Phoenix. There is a special place in heaven for people like Officer Teel.
I had seen this. It is beyond evil. I don’t think there is a name or title for this type of evil.
the evil that exists in some people still astounds me and i hope that this little baby beats the odds and finds a family to love and look after her.
My heart goes out for sweet Phoenix. Dear God please listen to our prayers and make her well.
No other animal, except men does this type of atrocity! At times … many times I do feel shame to belong to this species -the so-called “rational animal”.
Who are the rational ones?
THank you and God Bless you all for caring for sweet little Phoenix.
Gina R.
Dirty rotten dog fighting bastards , Michael Vick and other gangstas , they abuse these poor dogs and everyone is scared to turn them in .I do not think God is the answer , I believe in vigilante groups needed , because any one who does this is going to end up in and out of jail forever , their is no saving scum like this , this is their life style .
Terry, count me in on your vigilante group to get rid of people like this.
What do you think we are dealing with , people like you and I ? I can almost tell these are punk kids that deal with gangs or wannabees .They are going to be problems forever .I have a hockey players background , and if their were idiots causing problems , we take care of them , and this is how society should work. You learn respect the hard way .
One thing Susie , it is pretty hard to combat knives and guns though , and I can guarantee , these low lives have no jobs ,maybe but drug dealing ,They have no future .Exterminate them . Your President should set up a very large SWAT team and get them , it will create more jobs and eliminate scum
The gun issue is one that makes me mad. All the bad guys have them, but us who want to protect ourselves against these jerks are not allowed to have one. Getting the good citizens not to have firearms is not solving the problem. Guns + drugs + dogfighting = disaster. Why is it that we are the “normal” people who see that these little pittis are not the problem; its morons like the one who hurt Phoenix that need to be exterminated.
You are right Terry, they do not know what respect is because they have none at home nor were taught any from day one. I detest thugs, wannabees, thieves and dishonest people. Society has to learn that these “slaps on the wrist” are not doing these young thugs anything. They need a good beating – totally agree with you.
My heart is just broke over this … what the hell kind of person would do such thing… Time I see to gwet read of people that do such thing … I’ll buy the gas and light him up if you find the person that did this … I’ll join your group too and let me tell you … I think I could have been, in one of past lives, a gallows man becuase I wouldn’t feel bad if I took care of people like this that does such a thing to any animal …
As for Michael Vick I would have loved to hang that SOB and I’m afraid that the NFL will rbing him and I hope there is a call for not to or boycott the game… myself I don;t watch the junk I have better things to do with life and that is to be with my animals….
I hope that Phoenix makes it thru and becomes a partner in helping the pits out…. Rise Phoenix rise….
OMG, poor Phoenix. I hope this scum is caught and doused with gasoline so he can feel what it is like. All those people standing and watching just makes me sick too. Step up to the plate and do something. Perhaps is someone had done something off the bat, she may have not suffered as much. I hope God will let her live and find a happy and loving home. No one deserves the kind of treatment Phoenix endured, not humans or animals. Someone out there I hope has the guts and the conscience to come forward with information pertaining to this horrific event. We should all ask God to point us in the direction of this murderer. Ask him to give you a sign to find this POS. I know that officer needs to be given a medal for his bravery in helping poor Phoenix. If she doesn’t make it then the POS should be tried for murder. When caught I hope the judge does the right thing and puts him away. If he doesn’t maybe it’s time to take things into our own hands. We can just call it an accident.
Eventually these little scum lizards are going to go to jail for these acts and people that rehab dogs in prison are going to give the little lizards for gasoline for dinner. count me in.
I think what you have said Deanna sums it up. I am fuming inside and if I had just 5 minutes with whoever did this, they would never live to do it again! He’d get the same as what he gave out!! Exactly!!!!!!!
Greetings all…..
Phoenix is in the hospital, and is being treated for the burns that cover virtually her entire body. The pain this poor girl has endured is unimaginable. She got through the night and is holding her own.
She is now getting the best possible care thanks to Main Line Animal Rescue. Phoenix is in great hands and we are hoping that she will survive. However, the medical bills will be staggering. Please consider making a donation to help defray the costs. No amount is too small.
Thanks.
Send it to:
Main Line Animal Rescue
PO Box 89
Chester Springs, PA 19425
By phone: 610- 933- 0606
WHAT THE F*** IS GOING ON IN THIS WORLD? THANK GOD THIS BRAVE & CARING OFFICER WAS THERE TO SAVE THIS BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL AT LAST AN OFFICER WHO CARES GOD BLESS THIS WONDERFUL OFFICER.I HOPE THIS POOR GIRL WILL SURVIVE THIS HORRIBLE & ORDEAL & FIND A GOOD LOVING FOREVER HOME AS SHE TRULY DESERVES IT. GOD BLESS HER. LETS ALL PRAY FOR HER SPEEDY RECOVERY.
Susie,
I have to agree with you – It is not my nature to hate or inflict pain on others – but OMG – who ever did this needs a dose of their own medicine – let’s douse them and set them ablaze…..and hope peole just stand there and watch.
The police officer mus have been an angel in disguise – thank god she was there.
I hope they find this scum and they never see the light of day ever again.
This is all I can say and still keep it clean.
I do not understand one thing , the officer said everyone did nothing , what kind of community is this ? I think I know but will not say . Anybody I know would have helped right away , as well as stopped the jerk .Look at the person who abused the Rotti in Toronto by leaving him in a locked car in the summer , he was pummelled by onlookers. I think the onlookers should get a metal
Terry, I grew up in Baltimore and by the time I moved from there to Wisconsin I wouldn’t drive through the city without my windows up and doors locked and even then it could be scary in many areas. That should tell you something right there. That officer risked her life in more ways then one doing what she did.
Yes, I remember that story. That officer was a hero and I was so pleased to see him reinstated. Public outcry was amazing!
D.
It’s too bad poor dogs have to live in these areas , I do not care about the people
Can you inform us all of the scum who did this attrocity when you find out. Its unbelievable. Surely there were CCTV or something to find out who is repsonsible. How is the doggy doing and who is looking after him/her. REgards (and despair) Soraya x
It is probably some useless teen gang member .Everyone will be scared to do anything .Poor dog would probably have had a great life with a proper pet owner , what did she do to end up with this asshole ? life is not fair sometimes .
I keep coming back to this link in hopes of reading some progress for Phoenix. I am sad to see there isn’t any YET – but I need to know……..
Can I post this link in other Ani-Cruelty groups I belong to? The word has to get out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kathy
You can feel free to post the link where you like. Sorry, no update… still looking myself.
D.
Whoever did this crime is one sick individual. This dog and any other animal did did not deserve this type of treatment. The karma and/or karmas of the people involved will be a heavy handed punishment. I do hope that this dog survives its ordeal.
I can’t say what I want to say about this tragedy. It’s too heartbreaking. (And vile so I will keep my rage to myself>)
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2009/05/phoenix_the_burned_pit_pup_pas.html
Thanks Andrea, been too heartbroken to post it… just in tears. Was hoping and praying that this poor girl would have a chance.
RIP Sweet Phoenix! No more pain, no more cruelty, no more abuse!
I pray Phoenix gets through this (it will be so very painful for her) and finds a beautiful furever home. How could all those fools stand around and not help this poor suffering dog screaming in pain. The person that did this should have the same done to them. I’ll gladly help. How cruel. How terribly cruel. I find it so difficult to believe these so called human beings can be this heartless and unfeeling towards an living creature. They will suffer badly at the hands of Lucifer. I only hope it’s soon…..very, very soon. God Bless you Phoenix and I pray you get through this as pain free as possible. Poor, sweet girl. I thank the officer that saved her. You are truly an angel to this sweet girl.
I wish I could be in a room holding a match and a gas can with this worthless, sociopathic monster. I would not hesitate to douse him and light the match. What he did to that innocent dog is reprehensible. If he is found there is nothing they will do to him that will even the score. That poor dog will suffer a lifetime. He cannot escape Karma, however, and sooner or later he will suffer.
OMG!!! OMG!!!! I can’t stop crying Deanna. OMG! Poor, poor Phoenix. She tried so hard to survive. Damn this person that did this. This is heartwrenching!!! I just finished posting a note hoping she would make it. Oh God this is just tearing me to pieces. Please say it isn’t true Andrea….please. Thank you to each and everyone of you that so lovingly tried to save her. God Bless you all and RIP Phoenix. You are with some very special baby’s on the Rainbow Bridge.
OMG! OMG! I can’t stop crying. OMG Deanna….I just posted a note that said I hoped Phoenix would make it. OMG! She suffered so much. Poor Phoenix. She tried so hard to survive. She was a real trooper. I want to thank each and every one of you beautiful, kind angels that tried so desperately to save her. RIP sweet Phoenix. You are with some amazing baby’s on the Rainbow Bridge and will never have to go through such horrific cruelity again. May the human/humans that did this die a horrible, painful, long death. I pray they find these inhuman things and prosicute them to the fullest. Better yet, turn them over to us, to do as we see fit.
May sweet little Phoenix Rest In Peace. No more suffering!
Please keep us posted about the whereabouts of the scums who inflited such pain to our Phoenix. How I wish I live in the US and … for sure … I would gladly join a group of Phoenix well wishers and take the matter into our own hands.
Besides praying for our little girl – one more little angle!
Please do your utmost to find the criminals as horrendous acts like this one cannot and shall be forgotten and unpunished.
Rest in Peace you dear sweet dog. I hope that Heaven’s Gate was wide open for you and you are with the angels who were waiting for you. I also will hope and pray that the evil that did this to you will die in a horrible manner such as yours.
I just read that Phoenix was put down, and I am in tears. RIP little girl. You won’t have any more pain and suffering. Believe me, God will hold you close, because you are a special girl.
I pray every night that God will take care of everyone and I always include the animals, especially the dogs. The pain some of these poor babies endure is beyond anything I could imagine. Poor Phoenix rest in peace in Heaven. God will take special care of her there and she won’t have anymore pain or injuries. Dogs are such amazing animals. Why can’t people see this? The suffering Phoenix went through is the same kind of suffering these scum should go through. I think that may be just the answer to wake people up. If you do bad things to animals or humans you should suffer the same fate. I see this as the only way to wake people up.
I can’t believe that people could do such a thing to that poor dog, thank god that officer was present… The people that did this should burn in hell and they will some day…Im so sad that the dog did’nt survive…
Couldn’t agree more Susie! When you take the guns away, only the criminal will have them and then how are we supposed to protect ourselves. I’m not a gun nut but do believe we should have that right upheld.
I’m sure those morons think they are the normal ones. Get so sick of reading stories and comments about pitbulls. People are so ignorant, misinformed and stupid about the breed….
D, it is normal to them because they know no different.
Was talking to a friend of mine this morning who has a 6 month old pitti, and I told him about this story, which upset him. (I sent him the link) I told him I cannot wait to meet his little girl, and we discussed pits. To this day, in my rescues, I have yet to meet one that did not want to sit in my lap during the transport. It is people like Vick and this moron who make people think it is the breed. NOT. Wish we could educate humans on these wonderful dogs.
It’s too bad Pitts have to be dogs of choice for gangsta’s ( I will be nice ), fighters and other assorted useless scum