Teen accused of setting pit bull on fire in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, NC (WCTI) — A Jacksonville teen will be back in court next month on a charge that he intentionally caused severe burns to a dog, according to a report published by the Jacksonville Daily News.

16-year-old Joseph Madina of Horizon Lane was arrested on September 27 by Onslow County Animal Control and charged with felony cruelty to animals.

According to the arrest warrant, Madina is accused of pouring gasoline on a male black and white pit bull and setting the dog on fire.

Onslow County Animal Services Director Howard Martin told the Jacksonville Daily News that the dog received severe caustic burns to the left front on his body and down his left leg, as well as other parts of the body.

The dog has been surrendered to Animal Services and has been treated. He is now with a foster family awaiting pickup by an animal rescue group.

Martin told the Jacksonville Daily News that the initial report was that gasoline was poured on the dog and he was set on fire, but there is a DNA test being done to provide more guidance on exactly how the alleged action was done.

Evidence shows that there were burns sustained by the dog from a caustic substance being intentionally placed on it.

“It was not caused by the dog,” Martin continued. “Something was intentionally done to it.”

Martin also told the Jacksonville Daily News that they responded to a call from a witness on September 26. The dog was surrendered to Animal Control that day and the charge was filed the following day based on the findings of the investigation. These findings included statements from several witnesses with information that corroborated evidence.

Madina, whose last name is also listed as Madina-Harper in court records, had a first appearance in court on Thursday, September 28. His court-appointed attorney is Jacksonville lawyer Matt Coxe. His next court date is October 11.

According to the Jacksonville Daily News, an adult living at the same residence was cited with misdemeanor for failing to provide veterinary care for the dog, but information was not immediately available on the name of the suspect.