HENDERSON, Ky. — A Kentucky man is behind bars after police said he burned and killed a dog.
According to WEHT-TV, Bryan K. Matthews, 32, of Henderson, was arrested Thursday on charges of torturing a dog and third-degree arson in the death of a miniature poodle named Duke.
The dog's owner, Gina Howard, told WEHT that Duke vanished earlier this month as her family grieved for a loved one. Someone found the dog dead June 7 in a Henderson Country Fairgrounds restroom, authorities said. Henderson County Animal Control issued a statement saying "it was clear" that Duke "had been intentionally burned alive," the Henderson Gleaner reported.
$50 REWARD!!!!!Pleas everyone share this last seen Washington Street area down past bakery! Someone has him in they home...
Posted by Gina Howard on Sunday, June 7, 2020
In the following days, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Pet Food Center and a crowdfunding campaign contributed more than $16,000 in reward money in the search for Duke's killer, WEHT reported.
THANK YOU TO Pet Food Center and the Stepto family! They have always been amazing when we are in need! With the PETA...
Posted by Humane Society of Henderson County Kentucky on Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Officials have not released a possible motive in the case. Howard told WEHT that she doesn't know Matthews and has never encountered him.
Cox Media Group
