Man arrested on suspicion of tying up and burning his dog

Police arrested a man Friday morning on suspicion that he immolated a dog during the night in central Israel after tying its legs and mouth with tape.

The incident occurred on Thursday night near the Komemiyut interchange between the cities of Bat Yam and Holon. Officers who were called in to respond to a fire in the area found the dead Belgian Malinois tied up with adhesive tape, the police said in a statement.

Investigators collected evidence at the scene, including the dog’s electronic chip, and used it to identify the owner.

The owner, a 30-year-old resident of the nearby Bat Yam, was suspiciously missing from his home until his arrest on Friday morning when he turned himself in, police said.

Police were to request an extension of his remand later Friday.

The dog’s corpse was also transferred to the police’s veterinary department for examination.

The Israel Kennel Club said the “shocking” incident was not isolated.

“This is a shocking incident of extreme cruelty, unfortunately not unique, but a national calamity,” said Tal Yaffe, the organization’s spokesperson.

“We call on the judiciary to issue a punishment that will be a deterrent and put an end to the grave phenomenon,” Yaffe added.