Alabama man ‘cooked his Chihuahua puppy to death in oven because it wouldn’t stop barking’

James Williamson, from Atmore, Alabama, allegedly threatened to shove the dog into the oven and turn it on because it was barking too much, according to WSFA and Fox affiliate WALA.

Police said that after arguing with a family member, the 44-year-old allegedly put the puppy in the oven, turned the oven on and then placed a chair against the door to prevent the dog from escaping.

Sergeant Darrell McMann of the Atmore Police Department said neighbours reported hearing yelps coming from the home before officers arrived at the distressing scene.

When the sergeant arrived he found the dead dog with severe burns on its body in the driveway.

He said he needed a moment to collect himself at the scene.

"When I got there, I was just at a loss for words, you know.

"I really just stood there and looked at the dog for a little bit and had to get myself together," he said, adding he has a chihuahua himself.

'Horrible and inhumane'

He also believes tougher penalties should be in place for those who commit acts of animal cruelty.

“I think in cases like this, they [the law] should be strengthened," McMann said.

"Because I don’t think being a class C felony fits what he did."

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He went on to described the case as "horrible and inhumane."

Williamson was charged with aggravated animal cruelty - a class C felony - and placed under a $15,000 bond.

If found guilty, he will be banned from owning animals in the future.