18-year-old Harold Goss pled guilty to torturing an animal and will spend up to five years in prison.  Goss was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence under the Youthful Offender Act, meaning Goss can be released before five years have elapsed if he demonstrates sufficient mental and emotional stability to be set free.

On the day of the crime, Goss came to the home of Carlotta Grant to ask about her 13-year-old daughter.  Grant told Goss to stay away from her daughter because she was too young to date.  Goss left the premises, but returned hours later to light Grant’s dog on fire after dousing Bailey, a 3-year-old basset hound/Dalmatian mix, with gasoline.  Goss was arrested shortly after the incident with gasoline on his clothes.

During sentencing, Goss’ attorney explained that Goss suffers from attention deficit disorder and fetal alcohol syndrome.  Goss claimed he was drunk when he attacked the dog and will receive alcohol treatment during his time in prison.

The people in the picture, from left to right, are:
Carol Linville, Animal Advocate/President - Pethelpers
Teri Porcel, Victim/Witness Advocate - Solicitor's Office
Stephanie Bianco, Assistant Solicitor - Solicitor's Office
Amanda Faulkner, Special Investigator - Solicitor's Office
 

Assistant Solicitor Stephanie Bianco, who prosecuted the case, stated that Bailey lost about 70% of his ears due to injury from the fire and spent two weeks in the animal hospital healing from second-degree burns.  He has, however, recovered and is back at home with his family.“

[Goss] got mad and took it out on my dog,” said Grant.  “What kind of monster would do that?”