S.C. woman says she killed dog after it chewed her Bible

By Ty Tagami

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A South Carolina woman who allegedly confessed to hanging a pit bull from a tree and then burning it told police the dog had chewed her Bible, according to a media report.

Miriam Fowler Smith, 65, of Pacolet Mills,  South Carolina, was arrested and faces a felony count of ill treatment of animals in general, according to an article on the website of WSPA-TV.

The dog belonged to Smith's nephew, Andy Fowler. Smith told officers she killed the dog after it chewed on her bible and that she was afraid children in the neighborhood could be bitten by the animal, according to a police report obtained by WSPA-TV.

Authorities found the animal's remains under a mound of grass on the Smith property, an orange drop cord around its neck and the scent of kerosene on its body.

Smith was arrested Sunday in this town about 13 miles east of Spartanburg, and taken to the Spartanburg County Detention Center.