A 28-year-old Canton man has been indicted on multiple felony charges, including cruelty to companion animals, after allegedly hanging his dog and attempting to set fire to his home.
A Stark County grand jury indicted the man on one count of cruelty to companion animals, a fifth-degree felony, along with charges of aggravated arson and attempted aggravated arson, both second-degree felonies.
The alleged offenses took place at the defendant’s residence on Troy Place in northwest Canton, according to Stark County Humane Society Director Jackie Godbey. The animal cruelty is believed to have occurred between Dec. 23 and Dec. 26, while the arson-related charges stem from incidents spanning Dec. 9 through Dec. 26.
A Canton police report states the man admitted to attempting to burn down his duplex by lighting a towel on fire in the bathroom. When officers arrived, he allegedly informed them of a deceased dog in the basement. Authorities accuse him of hanging the animal with a cord.
The arson charges indicate that the fire posed a significant risk to other residents of the duplex, as well as the structure itself.
The case is now proceeding through Stark County Common Pleas Court.
