A Dothan, Alabama, man has been arrested after posting a live Facebook video in which he set a turtle on fire.
The Dothan Police Department said in a Facebook post Wednesday that James Terrance Allen, 19, was seen in the disturbing video pouring rubbing alcohol on the turtle.
Police said Allen was heard on the video saying, "Give me 100 views and I’ll light (the turtle on fire)." He then demanded 200 views and threatened that, without them, the turtle would die.
Police said concerned citizens called in and reported the stream.
WFSA reported that the turtle, named Leonardo, is thought to be a gopher tortoise, which is a protected species in Alabama and listed as "threatened" in the Endangered Species Act.
The turtle was sent to Big Bend Wildlife Sanctuary with the ultimate goal of setting him free in the wild.
Melaine Boliver, who works at the wildlife sanctuary, told DothanFirst.com Thursday that the turtle is in better condition than expected.
But the extent of Leonardo's injuries is not entirely clear.
"He will be going to the veterinarian's office today to get X-rays to see if there is any internal damage, because the turtle was spun numerous times and then, like, smoke inhalation, (so) we can't really tell from that," Bolivar said.
Allen was charged with aggravated animal cruelty and his bail was set at $10,000. If the turtle is determined to actually be a gopher tortoise, Allen may face more charges.
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