Pit bull dragged, burned in Bollinger County

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- The Bollinger County Sheriff's Department is looking for those who reportedly dragged a pit bull dog behind a vehicle, then tied the dog to a pole and set fire to it while it was still alive.

According to Sheriff Leo McElrath, the dog was discovered by someone driving on County Road 318 near Marble Hill who spotted its charred body and notified authorities Friday night. He said the dog was nearly unidentifiable and that deputies buried it where they found it.

"No good person with a conscience would do this," said Marilyn Neville of the Bollinger County Stray and Rescue Group in Zalma, Mo. "A bullet would be better."

Neville said she contacted the sheriff's department, which agreed to dig up the dog. The stray project will pay for an autopsy to determine the dog's sex, breed, color, age and whatever they can to find who is responsible for killing the animal, Neville said.

"My concern is this weekend is Halloween," Neville said. "Was this a training session or a one-time event?"

McElrath asks that anyone who might have information about the incident to contact his office, 573-238-2633. Anyone arrested in the case faces felony animal abuse and animal cruelty charges.

"We're going to do everything in our power to determine who did this and put an end to it," Neville said.

She added that with Halloween coming, people would be well advised to keep their pets -- and especially black cats -- indoors and away from possible harm.

Pertinent address:

Marble Hill, MO