A man from Atmore, Alabama, is facing serious charges after being accused of cooking his pet chihuahua alive inside an oven. The incident reportedly happened after a domestic argument escalated.
James Williamson, 44, was arrested by police and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a Class C felony in Alabama. Investigators say the act followed a heated dispute between Williamson and a family member. During the argument, he allegedly threatened to harm the dog if it didn’t stop barking. Authorities say he carried out the threat by placing the chihuahua in a hot oven and using a chair to block the door, preventing any escape.
Neighbors later reported hearing loud, distressing sounds coming from the home. By the time police arrived, the noise had stopped. Officers discovered the burned remains of the dog on the driveway. The disturbing scene has drawn attention across social media and triggered widespread public outrage.
Sergeant Darrell McMann of the Atmore Police Department, who responded to the case and also owns a chihuahua, called the incident “inhumane” and said it shook him deeply. Speaking to WALA News, he shared how difficult it was to process what he had witnessed, emphasizing the pain of seeing such cruelty inflicted on a helpless animal.
Williamson’s bond has been set at $15,000. If convicted, he will be banned from owning animals in the future, in line with Alabama law. However, many, including McMann, feel the current laws fall short. He noted that a Class C felony does not reflect the severity of the crime and called for stronger legal consequences for such actions.
The event took place on Dogwood Drive and has left the local community in shock. Many residents and online users expressed frustration with the state’s weak animal protection laws. One person commented, “If he didn’t like barking, he shouldn’t have gotten a dog.” Another added, “Alabama ranks near the bottom for animal cruelty laws. This needs to change.”
Animal welfare advocates are now pushing for legal reform, arguing that stricter penalties are necessary to prevent future cases like this. The debate has renewed focus on how seriously the law treats animal abuse, especially in cases that involve such severe suffering.
