Two Tulsa juveniles taken into custody in dog abuse case

Two juveniles are in custody, after admitting to setting fire to a 4 month-old puppy. <br/><br/>In a shocking case of animal abuse we first reported on Monday, Tulsa Police say a Crimestoppers tip led

Friday, July 2nd 2004, 10:12 am

By: News On 6

Two juveniles are in custody, after admitting to setting fire to a 4 month-old puppy.

In a shocking case of animal abuse we first reported on Monday, Tulsa Police say a Crimestoppers tip led them to two suspects who confessed late Friday afternoon.

Meantime, investigators are rejecting another media report, that the abuse of six other puppies was a hoax. The woman who initially brought Amaya to the SPCA, said the mother dog was lying next to the carcasses of her babies, apparently blown apart by firecrackers.

Veterinarian Connie Wright says Amaya has been exhibiting signs of depression, but seems to be adjusting to her new environment.

Tulsa Police Detective Tony Cellino says they don't know yet whether the two juveniles he arrested Friday had anything to do with Amaya's puppies, but they've admitted to felony animal abuse. "Read their rights to their parents and they all consented to what they did. They admit to dousing the dog with lighter fluid and setting it on fire."

SPCA officials say "Melody" sailed through her latest surgery, to remove burn tissue from her hind quarters.

The 14- and 16-year-old suspects will remain in custody through the holiday weekend.