Back in April we told you about Hope, a one-year- Staffordshire terrier-mix from Arcadia, Fla., who was set on fire by her owner, Larry Wallace, while the dog was tethered. Wallace poured kerosene and lit Hope on fire causing her extensive burns on 60 to 70 percent of her body.
Read our original story “Hope Recovers after Being Set on Fire” to learn more.
Hope has since recovered and was adopted by a member of the organization who saved her life, Hardee Animal Rescue Team.
Her abuser, Mr. Wallace, was charged with arson and cruelty to animals. He was arrested and spent some time in jail, but he regained his freedom after paying an $8,500 bond.
A court date, set for August 13, 2014, had been scheduled for Hope’s abuser to face justice and answer for the crime committed. However, early in July, a Florida court found Larry Wallace incompetent to stand trial after doctors testified that Wallace suffers from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Hope’s friends and supporters were saddened to learn that Mr. Wallace will not receive a harsh punishment, but they said they were determined to never allow Hope’s suffering to be forgotten.
“Through her we will continue to share the message about animal cruelty, the need for tougher laws, and the abuse that happens everywhere,” HART posted on their Facebook wall.
Even though Mr. Wallace will not stand trial, the court also ruled he can no longer own animals and must be supervised by family for one year.