By Lori Fowler
The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
ONTARIO, Calif. — Criminal proceedings have been suspended for the 21-year-old Ontario resident suspected of setting a puppy on fire last month.
Bernardo Vasquez is charged with one count of arson and one count of animal cruelty. He pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment on April 23, but at his most recent hearing the court declared doubt as to the defendant’s present mental competence, according to court records.
Vasquez is scheduled to be back at the West Valley Superior Courthouse in Rancho Cucamonga on June 10.
Witnesses said they heard an animal crying then saw a dog on fire running down a wash behind their Ontario home the evening of April 10, according to an Inland Valley Humane Society.
The puppy had third degree burns on more than 75 percent of its body and died from its injuries, officials said.
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(c)2014 the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (Ontario, Calif.)
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