MISSOULA — Domingo Palafox of Troy is being held on $250,000 bail after being charged with lighting his dog on fire in March.
Palafox appeared in Lincoln County Justice court in Libby on Wednesday afternoon. Palafox is charged with two felony counts: aggravated animal cruelty and tampering with witnesses.
Troy Police Chief Katie Davis was dispatched on March 9 to pick up a dog that needed care and took it to a veterinarian. The vet said the dog was underweight, and had to have its ears amputated due to decay.
The dog was later picked up by an animal rescue group, Pet Connection Rescue and Sanctuary.
A few weeks later, Troy police received a tip from a citizen claiming there was video of Palafox lighting the dog on fire.
In charging documents, friends of Palafox confirmed to police there was a video of Palafox tying up the dog, pouring gasoline on his body, and lighting it on fire.
The rope burned through and the dog was able to run off.
The acquaintances said the defendant threatened to put a $10,000 bounty on them if they reported the incident to police.
Palafox's next court appearance is set for July 1st. We have not yet been able to obtain a jail booking of him.
The dog, now named Percy, has since been adopted by a family from Lake Louise, Alberta. The family tells MTN News that he is happy and safe.
We will update you as we get more information.
