Bulldog set on fire; Humane Society looking for culprit

By Kristi E. Swartz

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Chato, the one-year old bulldog who was badly burned earlier this week will be transferred from the Atlanta Humane Society to the University of Georgia for further treatment, Humane Society spokesman Miguel Abi-hassan said.

The dog's owners let him outside to make a pit stop on Tuesday.

Twenty-five minutes later Chato was spotted a block from his McDaniel Street home on fire.

An anonymous person stopped her car and and used her coat to put out the fire, according to the Humane Society, where he was immediately taken for treatment.

Investigators said someone doused the bulldog with accelerant, causing third- and fourth-degree burns to his face and mouth.

The burns also extend throughout his entire left side, the Humane Society said. Workers have been trying to save Chato's left eye -- and Abi-hassan said they likely will be successful.

"It's just atrocious," Abi-hassan said Friday.

Chato's medical bills will cost about $6,500, the Humane Society said. They are currently looking for assistance to help pay for those bills.

Humane Society officials believe the dog is a bulldog-sharpei mix, even though the owner insists Chato is a bulldog.

A $5,000 reward for a tip leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible is being offered by the Humane Society. The award is furnished by the Holland M. Ware Charitable Trust.

Anyone with information on this case should call (404) 974-2868. People are encouraged to mention the reward, but the money will only be given after the person or people have been identified arrested and convicted, the Humane Society said.