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An Atmore man was arrested May 19 on cruelty to animals charges, according to officials.

Atmore Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Darrell McMann said in a release that James Williamson, 44, was arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

McMann said on Monday at approximately 12:30 p.m., an APD officer responded to a residence in the 100 block of Cruitt Drive in reference to an injured animal.

“When the officer arrived on the scene, he observed a badly burned deceased chihuahua puppy laying on the driveway,” McMann said. “Investigators were able to learn that James Williamson, age 44, of Atmore, intentionally placed the puppy in the oven due to what he felt was excessive barking. A witness overheard Williamson say he was going to put the puppy in the oven if it didn’t quit barking. The witness also heard a dog yelping in pain a short time later but didn’t realize what was happening.”

McMann said evidence was discovered in the oven, and in the kitchen that corroborated the statements.

Williamson was transported to the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton.