Man Charged for Burning Pups

A Seaside Heights, N.J., resident was arrested Monday and charged with animal cruelty for allegedly lighting two puppies on fire.

A state animal welfare agent and Seaside Heights police arrested Ronald Fredericks after finding severe burns on the dogs, which lived at his house.

Fredericks acknowledged placing WD-40 motor oil on the heads of two puppies and lighting them on fire back on March 30, according to Terry Clark, deputy chief of the state Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"This happened March 30, and no one called until today, so you can imagine what kind of pain these puppies were in," Clark said.

When the SPCA agent and police arrived at Fredericks' house, they found a 12-month-old black lab named Shadow with severe burns to the ears, scalp and nose. Poppy, an 18-month-old mixed breed, had less serious injuries.

Both dogs are receiving medical treatment at the Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township.

Fredericks is being held at the Ocean County Jail on $5,000 bail. A hearing in Ocean County Superior Court was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

Author: NBC10/AP