Get Justice for Dog Doused in Accelerant and Set on Fire in Tennessee
Victory! This alert made a difference for animals! Learn more.
The story of a dog who was doused in an accelerant and set on fire in Memphis, Tennessee, has sparked international outrage and a huge outpouring of support for her recovery. Urge the district attorney to pursue maximum penalties in this case!
On June 22, 2022, a dog who was named Riona by her rescuers was rushed to Memphis Animal Services after she was seen running down the street in flames. She was transferred to Bluff City Veterinary Specialists for treatment; she sustained fourth-degree burns covering most of her left side and she ultimately lost her left ear.
According to Tails of Hope, the group that took her in, she required months of “24-hour care, numerous bandage changes multiple times a day, lots of pain medication and antibiotics, surgeries to close up whatever wounds could be closed, skin expanders placed under her skin to help harvest new skin for skin grafts.”
@justice4riona ✨60 Days✨ and so much growth! #justice4riona #tailsofhopedogrescue #pittiesoftiktok #dogsoftiktok ♬ Rescue - Lauren Daigle
In July of 2022, Quishon Brown was arrested after someone shared surveillance video of the incident and he was then charged with three felony aggravated animal cruelty charges and a misdemeanor for burning personal property.
His bond was only set at $5,000, but it was revoked and he was arrested again that month after more surveillance was shared by a neighbor showing he had another puppy at his property, which was a violation of the terms of his bail. Unfortunately, the puppy was not found when police searched the property, and we can only wonder what might have happened to the unfortunate animal.
When Brown was shown pictures of Riona, he reportedly said, “I did good with her,” and threatened to burn down the home of a neighbor who released the surveillance footage, while further threatening to shoot reporters who visited his home. After that, thankfully, his bail was increased to $150,000 but inconceivably reduced to $5,000 yet again this month. He is due back in court on May 31, 2023.
Victory! This alert made a difference for animals! Learn more.