Please be warned that this article is very upsetting.

Thanks to WSBTV for this news and Itchmo for publicizing it.

Burned Puppies Discovered By Animal Shelter

POSTED: September 7, 2007

ATLANTA — Officials with a local animal shelter said they are concerned after accepting puppies with intentional burns down their backs.

Officials with PAWS Atlanta said they have accepted and treated six separate dogs suffering from burns on their backs.

PAWS Atlanta said the burns appear intentional and appear to be caused by lighter fluid or a similar flammable. They believe the substance is being poured onto the dog and then lit.

All of the dogs are puppies, ranging in age from 8 weeks old to 5 months old.

It has been reported to PAWS Atlanta — though unsubstantiated — that setting a dog on fire is possibly being used as an initiation rite for some local gangs.

Follow this link to read the rest of the article and watch the video.