RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT/WHSV) — UPDATE (Aug. 28):
The Richmond Police Department says the man who burned Tommie the dog and left him for dead in an animal cruelty case that gained national attention was sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday.
Jyahshua A. Hill, 20, was originally arrested May 20 by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force and charged with felony animal cruelty.
“As part of a plea agreement, Hill will serve five years in prison, the maximum sentence allowable by law, without the possibility of parole,” the Richmond Police Department said in a news release. “In addition, he will have three years of post-release supervision by the court. He is also barred from owning or possessing animals for life.”
Hill was indicted by a grand jury on May 8 and arraigned May 21.
____________________
5/20/2019 your killer has been caught, justice will be served. Rest In Peace sweet boy.
———————————
A dog that was set on fire in Richmond on Sunday has died.
Richmond Animal Care and Control posted on Facebook, writing, "I'm so very sorry to share that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed."
The post went on to say employees were all "devastated, angry, sad, and terribly disappointed." It also thanked the Virginia Veterinary Centers and the VCU Evans-Haynes Burn Center.
Thanks to the generosity of one of the many people who donated to the shelter for Tommie's care, the pit bull will be laid to rest at the Pet Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m.
“This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye,” RACC said on a Facebook event page.
Donations and support for Tommie had poured in all week; he took his first steps since being burned on Thursday.∼RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Officials at a Virginia shelter say a dog set on fire in a Richmond park has succumbed to his wounds.
News outlets report Richmond Animal Care and Control announced Friday morning that the male brindle pit bull named Tommie died surrounded by caregivers. The shelter says Tommie was tied to a pole at a city park, covered in accelerant and set on fire Sunday.
-Richmond Animal Care and Control
He was initially believed to have burns covering about half his body, but the shelter later said the burns covered nearly his entire body and were worsening. A picture of Tommie shared by the shelter shows him covered in bandages and casts while snuggling a stuffed animal.
The shelter says $25,000 is being offered for information leading to suspects in Tommie's abuse.
I’m so very sorry to share that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed. Needless to say, we are all devastated and angry and sad and terribly disappointed. I want to say thank you to everyone at Virginia Veterinary Centersand the VCU Evans-Haynes Burn Center for loving Tommie and fighting so hard to save him. We remain steadfast in our dedication to find the person now responsible for Tommie’s death. The REWARD for information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of the person/s has risen to $25,000. This increase is a result of your individual donations and is joined by pledges from our partners and friends at The Humane Society of the United States, the Cathy Kangas Foundation for Animals and the Humane Rescue Alliance. I’m so very sorry that we couldn’t save Tommie but I’m confident that we did everything we possibly could and that he felt true love and compassion for the time that he was in our care. We remain #teamtommie. -Richmond Animal Care and Control
Thanks to a very generous donor, Tommie will be buried at the Pet Memorial Park Cemetery Saturday 2/23 at 4pm. This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye. We are so grateful to everyone for your love and support.
Pet Memorial Park is located in a West End Neighborhood off of Terrell Road. The pet cemetery was established in 1935 and is the oldest in the Richmond area. The cemetery was started by a local family and was the only one in the area until 1967. The SPCA took over Pet Memorial in the 1970s but eventually surrendered it to a private owner because maintenance costs were too high.
In 1984, it cost anywhere from $350 to $500 to bury a pet. This included a small “pet-sized” plot, a sealed casket with a lace-edged pillow, and an engraved granite marker.
In its "heyday" during the 1930s, the cemetery served as the final resting place for several “mostly aristocratic and pedigreed dogs…resting in silk-lined metal caskets and cared for in a luxurious style which many less fortunate human beings might well envy.”
Lady Wonder, a horse believed to have been psychic was buried there in 1957 with a full funeral service and over 20 guests.∼Public memorial service planned for beloved dog 'Tommie'
$25,000 reward for info leading to conviction of person responsible
By: WRIC Newsroom
Posted: Feb 15, 2019 06:05 AM EST
Updated: Feb 17, 2019 12:37 PM EST
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A public memorial service will be held for 'Tommie,' the beloved pit bull who died Friday morning after being set on fire and abandoned in a Richmond park earlier this week.
Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) made the heartbreaking announcement that Tommie had died early Friday morning on Facebook:
"I'm so very sorry to say that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain-free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed," the post read.
Richmond Animal Care and Control said the male brindle pit bull was tied to a pole, covered in accelerant and intentionally set on fire in Abner Clay Park on West Clay Street at about 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 10.
Witnesses saw an adult male suspect wearing multiple layers of pants run from the scene towards Belvidere Street.
8News spoke with a Richmond Fire spokesperson on Friday morning about the passing of Tommie and where the investigation stands at this point.
"Saddened to hear about the passing of Tommie, but there is a very active investigation between Richmond Fire, Richmond Police, and RACC. They are following all leads and tips to bring justice to Tommie. If you have any information call the tip line 780-1000 or report it in the app called p3 tips," Lt. Chris Armstrong said.
RACC posted an update to Tommie's services on Sunday:
We are changing the format of the memorial for Tommie. In light of the overwhelming interest and support, we wanted to make this experience a more personal one. Instead of one memorial service, we plan to host five open houses this week at RACC to celebrate Tommie’s life and to give everyone the opportunity to visit us and see firsthand how your support impacts the work we do on a daily basis. Your well-behaved dogs are welcome to visit:)
Where: Richmond Animal Care and Control, 1600 Chamberlayne Ave., Richmond VA 23222
When: Tuesday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 22, 2 – 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, noon – 5 p.m.
We will share details in the near future for those who would like to pay their respects in person at his grave site. A closed Team Tommie FB group is available at https://www.facebook.com/groups/240055316873824/ for those of you who want to share your feelings and grief in a safe and supportive environment. Our director will moderate the page and will provide you with updates and an inside view of all things Tommie. Of course, will be available to answer any questions or concerns. Most importantly, thank you so much for all your support through this difficult time. Tommie’s story has touched so many of us in a profound way – we want to embrace that love and share it.
"This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye," RACC posted on Facebook. "We are so grateful for the overwhelming support and the opportunity to put Tommie to rest surrounded by people that love him."
A reward fund is being offered to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person who did this. RACC reported that the reward fund has risen to $25,000 from the $10,000 reward announced on Wednesday.
The Humane Society of the United States announced on Friday that it is offering part of the $25,000 reward, $5,000, for "information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the cruel burning that led to the death of a dog in Richmond, Virginia."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lawmakers pass ‘Tommie’s Law’ to make animal cruelty charge a felony in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. -- Ten days after a pit bull named Tommie was tied to a pole and set on fire in Richmond's Abner Clay Park, Virginia's legislature passed a bill that would stiffen the penalty for animal cruelty. Even though the bill is based off another animal cruelty case, some have dubbed it "Tommie's Law."
The legislation by Sen. Bill DeSteph (R-Virginia Beach) increases the penalty for "cruelly or unnecessarily beating, maiming, mutilating, or killing a dog or cat" to a felony.
Under current law, the animal must die as a direct result of the torture or inhumane injury before a suspect faces a felony charge.
Sen. DeSteph said he has been working on the legislation for three years after a dog name Sugar was attacked with a machete in Virginia Beach.
"It should be named for every one of those cases," DeSteph said. "The crime matches the penalty. Not whether the dog lives or dies, the act of maliciously wounding or torturing a dog is the felony."
Tommie was tied to a fence in Abner Clay Park in Richmond on Sunday, Feb. 10, doused in accelerant, then set on fire.
He lived for another five days before, as Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) announced his death in a Facebook post, “his body simply gave out” and he stopped breathing.
"They couldn't charge him with a felony until Tommie passed away, which is a horrible thing. The act itself is the horrible thing too. The act itself should be the felony, not the outcome," DeSteph said.
The search for the person who burned Tommie continued in Richmond.
Memorials at both Abner Clay Park and RACC continue to grow. All week long, supporters of Tommie can stop by RACC on Chamberlayne Avenue to pay their respects and drop off donations in Tommie's name.
"For somebody to have the heart to set a dog on fire, that's like setting a human being's body on fire," said Jamilah Jones, who stopped by RACC to show Tommie love.
Jones was not aware that cases of animal cruelty are only punishable by a misdemeanor if the animal survives. She is glad that Virginia will likely soon stiffen the penalty.
"Tommie opened up a lot of doors for these animals now. He opened up a lot of eyes," Jones said. " Why keep losing animals because others want to be rude to them?"
The animal cruelty bill passed the House of Delegates unanimously on Wednesday. It cleared both chambers without a vote against it. Now, the bill heads to the governor's desk, and DeSteph said he expects Governor Ralph Northam (D - Virginia) will support it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘Overwhelming interest’ changes funeral plans for beloved dog Tommie
RICHMOND, Va. -- Funeral arrangements for Tommie -- the dog found tied to a pole and set on fire Sunday in Richmond -- have been changed because of "overwhelming interest and support," Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) officials announced Sunday.
Tommie was originally going to be laid to rest during a public ceremony at the Pet Memorial Park Cemetery in Henrico on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m., but officials said they opted to change the format so the experience could be more "personal."
"Instead of one memorial service, we plan to host five open houses this week at RACC to celebrate Tommie’s life and to give everyone the opportunity to visit us and see firsthand how your support impacts the work we do on a daily basis," RACC officials posted on Facebook Sunday morning.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 22, 2 – 7 p.m. | Saturday, Feb. 23, noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Richmond Animal Care and Control | 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue | Richmond VA 23222
As of 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, more than 970 people indicated they planned to attend and another 5700 indicated an interest in attending the previously planned memorial service.
For folks who would like to pay their respects at the pup's gravesite, officials said those details would be shared soon.
Additionally, shelter officials have created a closed Team Tommie Facebook group for folks who want to share their "feelings and grief in a safe and supportive environment."
RACC shelter officials thanked the public for their support through the difficult time.
"Tommie’s story has touched so many of us in a profound way – we want to embrace that love and share it," officials wrote.
RACC Director Christie Chipps Peters shared the sad news of Tommie's passing early Friday morning.
“It took me an hour-and-a-half to pull it together enough to say the words I wanted to say in the way I wanted to say it,” Peters said.
Peters said the pup stopped breathing and that his body “just gave out” five days of fighting to recover from being tied to a fence, doused in accelerant and then set on fire in Abner Clay Park.
While 40-percent of his body was burned, officials were cautiously optimistic when Tommie stood up and began to walk Thursday afternoon.
"We were all sort of collectively thinking we might win," Peters said. “And so, it's even harder... at a time when we thought we might get there."
Peters said she going to remember Tommie not for the horrific act that brought him to the shelter, but for the kindness that his story prompted.
In the days since Tommie was found injured, thousands of people in Central Virginia and around the country followed his progress through social media updates provided by RACC.
"You know, animal control is hard. It's hard work and it's been an incredible feeling of love from the community,” Peters said.
Peters said that even though Tommie had passed people can still help the shelter with Team Tommie shirts.
However, she added that there is another crucial way to help another shelter animal find a forever home.
“We have tons available and every shelter across the country is full, so go adopt” Peters urged. “Save a life in Tommie’s honor.”
Reward tops $25,000
Additionally, the reward for information leading to an arrest in Tommie's case has grown to $25,000.
"We remain steadfast in our dedication to find the person now responsible for Tommie’s death," officials posted on Facebook.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Richmond Police, call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or submit a tip online at http://www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.
The Richmond Police Department says the man who burned Tommie the dog and left him for dead in an animal cruelty case that gained national attention was sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday.
Jyahshua A. Hill, 20, was originally arrested May 20 by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force and charged with felony animal cruelty.
“As part of a plea agreement, Hill will serve five years in prison, the maximum sentence allowable by law, without the possibility of parole,” the Richmond Police Department said in a news release. “In addition, he will have three years of post-release supervision by the court. He is also barred from owning or possessing animals for life.”
Hill was indicted by a grand jury on May 8 and arraigned May 21.
____________________
5/20/2019 your killer has been caught, justice will be served. Rest In Peace sweet boy.
———————————
A dog that was set on fire in Richmond on Sunday has died.
Richmond Animal Care and Control posted on Facebook, writing, "I'm so very sorry to share that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed."
The post went on to say employees were all "devastated, angry, sad, and terribly disappointed." It also thanked the Virginia Veterinary Centers and the VCU Evans-Haynes Burn Center.
Thanks to the generosity of one of the many people who donated to the shelter for Tommie's care, the pit bull will be laid to rest at the Pet Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m.
“This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye,” RACC said on a Facebook event page.
Donations and support for Tommie had poured in all week; he took his first steps since being burned on Thursday.∼RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Officials at a Virginia shelter say a dog set on fire in a Richmond park has succumbed to his wounds.
News outlets report Richmond Animal Care and Control announced Friday morning that the male brindle pit bull named Tommie died surrounded by caregivers. The shelter says Tommie was tied to a pole at a city park, covered in accelerant and set on fire Sunday.
-Richmond Animal Care and Control
He was initially believed to have burns covering about half his body, but the shelter later said the burns covered nearly his entire body and were worsening. A picture of Tommie shared by the shelter shows him covered in bandages and casts while snuggling a stuffed animal.
The shelter says $25,000 is being offered for information leading to suspects in Tommie's abuse.
I’m so very sorry to share that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed. Needless to say, we are all devastated and angry and sad and terribly disappointed. I want to say thank you to everyone at Virginia Veterinary Centersand the VCU Evans-Haynes Burn Center for loving Tommie and fighting so hard to save him. We remain steadfast in our dedication to find the person now responsible for Tommie’s death. The REWARD for information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of the person/s has risen to $25,000. This increase is a result of your individual donations and is joined by pledges from our partners and friends at The Humane Society of the United States, the Cathy Kangas Foundation for Animals and the Humane Rescue Alliance. I’m so very sorry that we couldn’t save Tommie but I’m confident that we did everything we possibly could and that he felt true love and compassion for the time that he was in our care. We remain #teamtommie. -Richmond Animal Care and Control
Thanks to a very generous donor, Tommie will be buried at the Pet Memorial Park Cemetery Saturday 2/23 at 4pm. This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye. We are so grateful to everyone for your love and support.
Pet Memorial Park is located in a West End Neighborhood off of Terrell Road. The pet cemetery was established in 1935 and is the oldest in the Richmond area. The cemetery was started by a local family and was the only one in the area until 1967. The SPCA took over Pet Memorial in the 1970s but eventually surrendered it to a private owner because maintenance costs were too high.
In 1984, it cost anywhere from $350 to $500 to bury a pet. This included a small “pet-sized” plot, a sealed casket with a lace-edged pillow, and an engraved granite marker.
In its "heyday" during the 1930s, the cemetery served as the final resting place for several “mostly aristocratic and pedigreed dogs…resting in silk-lined metal caskets and cared for in a luxurious style which many less fortunate human beings might well envy.”
Lady Wonder, a horse believed to have been psychic was buried there in 1957 with a full funeral service and over 20 guests.∼Public memorial service planned for beloved dog 'Tommie'
$25,000 reward for info leading to conviction of person responsible
By: WRIC Newsroom
Posted: Feb 15, 2019 06:05 AM EST
Updated: Feb 17, 2019 12:37 PM EST
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A public memorial service will be held for 'Tommie,' the beloved pit bull who died Friday morning after being set on fire and abandoned in a Richmond park earlier this week.
Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) made the heartbreaking announcement that Tommie had died early Friday morning on Facebook:
"I'm so very sorry to say that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain-free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed," the post read.
Richmond Animal Care and Control said the male brindle pit bull was tied to a pole, covered in accelerant and intentionally set on fire in Abner Clay Park on West Clay Street at about 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 10.
Witnesses saw an adult male suspect wearing multiple layers of pants run from the scene towards Belvidere Street.
8News spoke with a Richmond Fire spokesperson on Friday morning about the passing of Tommie and where the investigation stands at this point.
"Saddened to hear about the passing of Tommie, but there is a very active investigation between Richmond Fire, Richmond Police, and RACC. They are following all leads and tips to bring justice to Tommie. If you have any information call the tip line 780-1000 or report it in the app called p3 tips," Lt. Chris Armstrong said.
RACC posted an update to Tommie's services on Sunday:
We are changing the format of the memorial for Tommie. In light of the overwhelming interest and support, we wanted to make this experience a more personal one. Instead of one memorial service, we plan to host five open houses this week at RACC to celebrate Tommie’s life and to give everyone the opportunity to visit us and see firsthand how your support impacts the work we do on a daily basis. Your well-behaved dogs are welcome to visit:)
Where: Richmond Animal Care and Control, 1600 Chamberlayne Ave., Richmond VA 23222
When: Tuesday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 22, 2 – 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, noon – 5 p.m.
We will share details in the near future for those who would like to pay their respects in person at his grave site. A closed Team Tommie FB group is available at https://www.facebook.com/groups/240055316873824/ for those of you who want to share your feelings and grief in a safe and supportive environment. Our director will moderate the page and will provide you with updates and an inside view of all things Tommie. Of course, will be available to answer any questions or concerns. Most importantly, thank you so much for all your support through this difficult time. Tommie’s story has touched so many of us in a profound way – we want to embrace that love and share it.
"This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye," RACC posted on Facebook. "We are so grateful for the overwhelming support and the opportunity to put Tommie to rest surrounded by people that love him."
A reward fund is being offered to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person who did this. RACC reported that the reward fund has risen to $25,000 from the $10,000 reward announced on Wednesday.
The Humane Society of the United States announced on Friday that it is offering part of the $25,000 reward, $5,000, for "information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the cruel burning that led to the death of a dog in Richmond, Virginia."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lawmakers pass ‘Tommie’s Law’ to make animal cruelty charge a felony in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. -- Ten days after a pit bull named Tommie was tied to a pole and set on fire in Richmond's Abner Clay Park, Virginia's legislature passed a bill that would stiffen the penalty for animal cruelty. Even though the bill is based off another animal cruelty case, some have dubbed it "Tommie's Law."
The legislation by Sen. Bill DeSteph (R-Virginia Beach) increases the penalty for "cruelly or unnecessarily beating, maiming, mutilating, or killing a dog or cat" to a felony.
Under current law, the animal must die as a direct result of the torture or inhumane injury before a suspect faces a felony charge.
Sen. DeSteph said he has been working on the legislation for three years after a dog name Sugar was attacked with a machete in Virginia Beach.
"It should be named for every one of those cases," DeSteph said. "The crime matches the penalty. Not whether the dog lives or dies, the act of maliciously wounding or torturing a dog is the felony."
Tommie was tied to a fence in Abner Clay Park in Richmond on Sunday, Feb. 10, doused in accelerant, then set on fire.
He lived for another five days before, as Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) announced his death in a Facebook post, “his body simply gave out” and he stopped breathing.
"They couldn't charge him with a felony until Tommie passed away, which is a horrible thing. The act itself is the horrible thing too. The act itself should be the felony, not the outcome," DeSteph said.
The search for the person who burned Tommie continued in Richmond.
Memorials at both Abner Clay Park and RACC continue to grow. All week long, supporters of Tommie can stop by RACC on Chamberlayne Avenue to pay their respects and drop off donations in Tommie's name.
"For somebody to have the heart to set a dog on fire, that's like setting a human being's body on fire," said Jamilah Jones, who stopped by RACC to show Tommie love.
Jones was not aware that cases of animal cruelty are only punishable by a misdemeanor if the animal survives. She is glad that Virginia will likely soon stiffen the penalty.
"Tommie opened up a lot of doors for these animals now. He opened up a lot of eyes," Jones said. " Why keep losing animals because others want to be rude to them?"
The animal cruelty bill passed the House of Delegates unanimously on Wednesday. It cleared both chambers without a vote against it. Now, the bill heads to the governor's desk, and DeSteph said he expects Governor Ralph Northam (D - Virginia) will support it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘Overwhelming interest’ changes funeral plans for beloved dog Tommie
RICHMOND, Va. -- Funeral arrangements for Tommie -- the dog found tied to a pole and set on fire Sunday in Richmond -- have been changed because of "overwhelming interest and support," Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) officials announced Sunday.
Tommie was originally going to be laid to rest during a public ceremony at the Pet Memorial Park Cemetery in Henrico on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m., but officials said they opted to change the format so the experience could be more "personal."
"Instead of one memorial service, we plan to host five open houses this week at RACC to celebrate Tommie’s life and to give everyone the opportunity to visit us and see firsthand how your support impacts the work we do on a daily basis," RACC officials posted on Facebook Sunday morning.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 22, 2 – 7 p.m. | Saturday, Feb. 23, noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Richmond Animal Care and Control | 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue | Richmond VA 23222
As of 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, more than 970 people indicated they planned to attend and another 5700 indicated an interest in attending the previously planned memorial service.
For folks who would like to pay their respects at the pup's gravesite, officials said those details would be shared soon.
Additionally, shelter officials have created a closed Team Tommie Facebook group for folks who want to share their "feelings and grief in a safe and supportive environment."
RACC shelter officials thanked the public for their support through the difficult time.
"Tommie’s story has touched so many of us in a profound way – we want to embrace that love and share it," officials wrote.
RACC Director Christie Chipps Peters shared the sad news of Tommie's passing early Friday morning.
“It took me an hour-and-a-half to pull it together enough to say the words I wanted to say in the way I wanted to say it,” Peters said.
Peters said the pup stopped breathing and that his body “just gave out” five days of fighting to recover from being tied to a fence, doused in accelerant and then set on fire in Abner Clay Park.
While 40-percent of his body was burned, officials were cautiously optimistic when Tommie stood up and began to walk Thursday afternoon.
"We were all sort of collectively thinking we might win," Peters said. “And so, it's even harder... at a time when we thought we might get there."
Peters said she going to remember Tommie not for the horrific act that brought him to the shelter, but for the kindness that his story prompted.
In the days since Tommie was found injured, thousands of people in Central Virginia and around the country followed his progress through social media updates provided by RACC.
"You know, animal control is hard. It's hard work and it's been an incredible feeling of love from the community,” Peters said.
Peters said that even though Tommie had passed people can still help the shelter with Team Tommie shirts.
However, she added that there is another crucial way to help another shelter animal find a forever home.
“We have tons available and every shelter across the country is full, so go adopt” Peters urged. “Save a life in Tommie’s honor.”
Reward tops $25,000
Additionally, the reward for information leading to an arrest in Tommie's case has grown to $25,000.
"We remain steadfast in our dedication to find the person now responsible for Tommie’s death," officials posted on Facebook.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Richmond Police, call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or submit a tip online at http://www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT/WHSV) — UPDATE (Aug. 28):
The Richmond Police Department says the man who burned Tommie the dog and left him for dead in an animal cruelty case that gained national attention was sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday.
Jyahshua A. Hill, 20, was originally arrested May 20 by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force and charged with felony animal cruelty.
“As part of a plea agreement, Hill will serve five years in prison, the maximum sentence allowable by law, without the possibility of parole,” the Richmond Police Department said in a news release. “In addition, he will have three years of post-release supervision by the court. He is also barred from owning or possessing animals for life.”
Hill was indicted by a grand jury on May 8 and arraigned May 21.
____________________
5/20/2019 your killer has been caught, justice will be served. Rest In Peace sweet boy.
———————————
A dog that was set on fire in Richmond on Sunday has died.
Richmond Animal Care and Control posted on Facebook, writing, "I'm so very sorry to share that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed."
The post went on to say employees were all "devastated, angry, sad, and terribly disappointed." It also thanked the Virginia Veterinary Centers and the VCU Evans-Haynes Burn Center.
Thanks to the generosity of one of the many people who donated to the shelter for Tommie's care, the pit bull will be laid to rest at the Pet Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m.
“This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye,” RACC said on a Facebook event page.
Donations and support for Tommie had poured in all week; he took his first steps since being burned on Thursday.∼RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Officials at a Virginia shelter say a dog set on fire in a Richmond park has succumbed to his wounds.
News outlets report Richmond Animal Care and Control announced Friday morning that the male brindle pit bull named Tommie died surrounded by caregivers. The shelter says Tommie was tied to a pole at a city park, covered in accelerant and set on fire Sunday.
-Richmond Animal Care and Control
He was initially believed to have burns covering about half his body, but the shelter later said the burns covered nearly his entire body and were worsening. A picture of Tommie shared by the shelter shows him covered in bandages and casts while snuggling a stuffed animal.
The shelter says $25,000 is being offered for information leading to suspects in Tommie's abuse.
I’m so very sorry to share that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed. Needless to say, we are all devastated and angry and sad and terribly disappointed. I want to say thank you to everyone at Virginia Veterinary Centersand the VCU Evans-Haynes Burn Center for loving Tommie and fighting so hard to save him. We remain steadfast in our dedication to find the person now responsible for Tommie’s death. The REWARD for information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of the person/s has risen to $25,000. This increase is a result of your individual donations and is joined by pledges from our partners and friends at The Humane Society of the United States, the Cathy Kangas Foundation for Animals and the Humane Rescue Alliance. I’m so very sorry that we couldn’t save Tommie but I’m confident that we did everything we possibly could and that he felt true love and compassion for the time that he was in our care. We remain #teamtommie. -Richmond Animal Care and Control
Thanks to a very generous donor, Tommie will be buried at the Pet Memorial Park Cemetery Saturday 2/23 at 4pm. This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye. We are so grateful to everyone for your love and support.
Pet Memorial Park is located in a West End Neighborhood off of Terrell Road. The pet cemetery was established in 1935 and is the oldest in the Richmond area. The cemetery was started by a local family and was the only one in the area until 1967. The SPCA took over Pet Memorial in the 1970s but eventually surrendered it to a private owner because maintenance costs were too high.
In 1984, it cost anywhere from $350 to $500 to bury a pet. This included a small “pet-sized” plot, a sealed casket with a lace-edged pillow, and an engraved granite marker.
In its "heyday" during the 1930s, the cemetery served as the final resting place for several “mostly aristocratic and pedigreed dogs…resting in silk-lined metal caskets and cared for in a luxurious style which many less fortunate human beings might well envy.”
Lady Wonder, a horse believed to have been psychic was buried there in 1957 with a full funeral service and over 20 guests.∼Public memorial service planned for beloved dog 'Tommie'
$25,000 reward for info leading to conviction of person responsible
By: WRIC Newsroom
Posted: Feb 15, 2019 06:05 AM EST
Updated: Feb 17, 2019 12:37 PM EST
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A public memorial service will be held for 'Tommie,' the beloved pit bull who died Friday morning after being set on fire and abandoned in a Richmond park earlier this week.
Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) made the heartbreaking announcement that Tommie had died early Friday morning on Facebook:
"I'm so very sorry to say that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain-free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed," the post read.
Richmond Animal Care and Control said the male brindle pit bull was tied to a pole, covered in accelerant and intentionally set on fire in Abner Clay Park on West Clay Street at about 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 10.
Witnesses saw an adult male suspect wearing multiple layers of pants run from the scene towards Belvidere Street.
8News spoke with a Richmond Fire spokesperson on Friday morning about the passing of Tommie and where the investigation stands at this point.
"Saddened to hear about the passing of Tommie, but there is a very active investigation between Richmond Fire, Richmond Police, and RACC. They are following all leads and tips to bring justice to Tommie. If you have any information call the tip line 780-1000 or report it in the app called p3 tips," Lt. Chris Armstrong said.
RACC posted an update to Tommie's services on Sunday:
We are changing the format of the memorial for Tommie. In light of the overwhelming interest and support, we wanted to make this experience a more personal one. Instead of one memorial service, we plan to host five open houses this week at RACC to celebrate Tommie’s life and to give everyone the opportunity to visit us and see firsthand how your support impacts the work we do on a daily basis. Your well-behaved dogs are welcome to visit:)
Where: Richmond Animal Care and Control, 1600 Chamberlayne Ave., Richmond VA 23222
When: Tuesday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 22, 2 – 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, noon – 5 p.m.
We will share details in the near future for those who would like to pay their respects in person at his grave site. A closed Team Tommie FB group is available at https://www.facebook.com/groups/240055316873824/ for those of you who want to share your feelings and grief in a safe and supportive environment. Our director will moderate the page and will provide you with updates and an inside view of all things Tommie. Of course, will be available to answer any questions or concerns. Most importantly, thank you so much for all your support through this difficult time. Tommie’s story has touched so many of us in a profound way – we want to embrace that love and share it.
"This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye," RACC posted on Facebook. "We are so grateful for the overwhelming support and the opportunity to put Tommie to rest surrounded by people that love him."
A reward fund is being offered to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person who did this. RACC reported that the reward fund has risen to $25,000 from the $10,000 reward announced on Wednesday.
The Humane Society of the United States announced on Friday that it is offering part of the $25,000 reward, $5,000, for "information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the cruel burning that led to the death of a dog in Richmond, Virginia."
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Lawmakers pass ‘Tommie’s Law’ to make animal cruelty charge a felony in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. -- Ten days after a pit bull named Tommie was tied to a pole and set on fire in Richmond's Abner Clay Park, Virginia's legislature passed a bill that would stiffen the penalty for animal cruelty. Even though the bill is based off another animal cruelty case, some have dubbed it "Tommie's Law."
The legislation by Sen. Bill DeSteph (R-Virginia Beach) increases the penalty for "cruelly or unnecessarily beating, maiming, mutilating, or killing a dog or cat" to a felony.
Under current law, the animal must die as a direct result of the torture or inhumane injury before a suspect faces a felony charge.
Sen. DeSteph said he has been working on the legislation for three years after a dog name Sugar was attacked with a machete in Virginia Beach.
"It should be named for every one of those cases," DeSteph said. "The crime matches the penalty. Not whether the dog lives or dies, the act of maliciously wounding or torturing a dog is the felony."
Tommie was tied to a fence in Abner Clay Park in Richmond on Sunday, Feb. 10, doused in accelerant, then set on fire.
He lived for another five days before, as Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) announced his death in a Facebook post, “his body simply gave out” and he stopped breathing.
"They couldn't charge him with a felony until Tommie passed away, which is a horrible thing. The act itself is the horrible thing too. The act itself should be the felony, not the outcome," DeSteph said.
The search for the person who burned Tommie continued in Richmond.
Memorials at both Abner Clay Park and RACC continue to grow. All week long, supporters of Tommie can stop by RACC on Chamberlayne Avenue to pay their respects and drop off donations in Tommie's name.
"For somebody to have the heart to set a dog on fire, that's like setting a human being's body on fire," said Jamilah Jones, who stopped by RACC to show Tommie love.
Jones was not aware that cases of animal cruelty are only punishable by a misdemeanor if the animal survives. She is glad that Virginia will likely soon stiffen the penalty.
"Tommie opened up a lot of doors for these animals now. He opened up a lot of eyes," Jones said. " Why keep losing animals because others want to be rude to them?"
The animal cruelty bill passed the House of Delegates unanimously on Wednesday. It cleared both chambers without a vote against it. Now, the bill heads to the governor's desk, and DeSteph said he expects Governor Ralph Northam (D - Virginia) will support it.
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‘Overwhelming interest’ changes funeral plans for beloved dog Tommie
RICHMOND, Va. -- Funeral arrangements for Tommie -- the dog found tied to a pole and set on fire Sunday in Richmond -- have been changed because of "overwhelming interest and support," Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) officials announced Sunday.
Tommie was originally going to be laid to rest during a public ceremony at the Pet Memorial Park Cemetery in Henrico on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m., but officials said they opted to change the format so the experience could be more "personal."
"Instead of one memorial service, we plan to host five open houses this week at RACC to celebrate Tommie’s life and to give everyone the opportunity to visit us and see firsthand how your support impacts the work we do on a daily basis," RACC officials posted on Facebook Sunday morning.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 22, 2 – 7 p.m. | Saturday, Feb. 23, noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Richmond Animal Care and Control | 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue | Richmond VA 23222
As of 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, more than 970 people indicated they planned to attend and another 5700 indicated an interest in attending the previously planned memorial service.
For folks who would like to pay their respects at the pup's gravesite, officials said those details would be shared soon.
Additionally, shelter officials have created a closed Team Tommie Facebook group for folks who want to share their "feelings and grief in a safe and supportive environment."
RACC shelter officials thanked the public for their support through the difficult time.
"Tommie’s story has touched so many of us in a profound way – we want to embrace that love and share it," officials wrote.
RACC Director Christie Chipps Peters shared the sad news of Tommie's passing early Friday morning.
“It took me an hour-and-a-half to pull it together enough to say the words I wanted to say in the way I wanted to say it,” Peters said.
Peters said the pup stopped breathing and that his body “just gave out” five days of fighting to recover from being tied to a fence, doused in accelerant and then set on fire in Abner Clay Park.
While 40-percent of his body was burned, officials were cautiously optimistic when Tommie stood up and began to walk Thursday afternoon.
"We were all sort of collectively thinking we might win," Peters said. “And so, it's even harder... at a time when we thought we might get there."
Peters said she going to remember Tommie not for the horrific act that brought him to the shelter, but for the kindness that his story prompted.
In the days since Tommie was found injured, thousands of people in Central Virginia and around the country followed his progress through social media updates provided by RACC.
"You know, animal control is hard. It's hard work and it's been an incredible feeling of love from the community,” Peters said.
Peters said that even though Tommie had passed people can still help the shelter with Team Tommie shirts.
However, she added that there is another crucial way to help another shelter animal find a forever home.
“We have tons available and every shelter across the country is full, so go adopt” Peters urged. “Save a life in Tommie’s honor.”
Reward tops $25,000
Additionally, the reward for information leading to an arrest in Tommie's case has grown to $25,000.
"We remain steadfast in our dedication to find the person now responsible for Tommie’s death," officials posted on Facebook.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Richmond Police, call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or submit a tip online at http://www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.
The Richmond Police Department says the man who burned Tommie the dog and left him for dead in an animal cruelty case that gained national attention was sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday.
Jyahshua A. Hill, 20, was originally arrested May 20 by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force and charged with felony animal cruelty.
“As part of a plea agreement, Hill will serve five years in prison, the maximum sentence allowable by law, without the possibility of parole,” the Richmond Police Department said in a news release. “In addition, he will have three years of post-release supervision by the court. He is also barred from owning or possessing animals for life.”
Hill was indicted by a grand jury on May 8 and arraigned May 21.
____________________
5/20/2019 your killer has been caught, justice will be served. Rest In Peace sweet boy.
———————————
A dog that was set on fire in Richmond on Sunday has died.
Richmond Animal Care and Control posted on Facebook, writing, "I'm so very sorry to share that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed."
The post went on to say employees were all "devastated, angry, sad, and terribly disappointed." It also thanked the Virginia Veterinary Centers and the VCU Evans-Haynes Burn Center.
Thanks to the generosity of one of the many people who donated to the shelter for Tommie's care, the pit bull will be laid to rest at the Pet Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m.
“This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye,” RACC said on a Facebook event page.
Donations and support for Tommie had poured in all week; he took his first steps since being burned on Thursday.∼RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Officials at a Virginia shelter say a dog set on fire in a Richmond park has succumbed to his wounds.
News outlets report Richmond Animal Care and Control announced Friday morning that the male brindle pit bull named Tommie died surrounded by caregivers. The shelter says Tommie was tied to a pole at a city park, covered in accelerant and set on fire Sunday.
-Richmond Animal Care and Control
He was initially believed to have burns covering about half his body, but the shelter later said the burns covered nearly his entire body and were worsening. A picture of Tommie shared by the shelter shows him covered in bandages and casts while snuggling a stuffed animal.
The shelter says $25,000 is being offered for information leading to suspects in Tommie's abuse.
I’m so very sorry to share that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed. Needless to say, we are all devastated and angry and sad and terribly disappointed. I want to say thank you to everyone at Virginia Veterinary Centersand the VCU Evans-Haynes Burn Center for loving Tommie and fighting so hard to save him. We remain steadfast in our dedication to find the person now responsible for Tommie’s death. The REWARD for information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of the person/s has risen to $25,000. This increase is a result of your individual donations and is joined by pledges from our partners and friends at The Humane Society of the United States, the Cathy Kangas Foundation for Animals and the Humane Rescue Alliance. I’m so very sorry that we couldn’t save Tommie but I’m confident that we did everything we possibly could and that he felt true love and compassion for the time that he was in our care. We remain #teamtommie. -Richmond Animal Care and Control
Thanks to a very generous donor, Tommie will be buried at the Pet Memorial Park Cemetery Saturday 2/23 at 4pm. This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye. We are so grateful to everyone for your love and support.
Pet Memorial Park is located in a West End Neighborhood off of Terrell Road. The pet cemetery was established in 1935 and is the oldest in the Richmond area. The cemetery was started by a local family and was the only one in the area until 1967. The SPCA took over Pet Memorial in the 1970s but eventually surrendered it to a private owner because maintenance costs were too high.
In 1984, it cost anywhere from $350 to $500 to bury a pet. This included a small “pet-sized” plot, a sealed casket with a lace-edged pillow, and an engraved granite marker.
In its "heyday" during the 1930s, the cemetery served as the final resting place for several “mostly aristocratic and pedigreed dogs…resting in silk-lined metal caskets and cared for in a luxurious style which many less fortunate human beings might well envy.”
Lady Wonder, a horse believed to have been psychic was buried there in 1957 with a full funeral service and over 20 guests.∼Public memorial service planned for beloved dog 'Tommie'
$25,000 reward for info leading to conviction of person responsible
By: WRIC Newsroom
Posted: Feb 15, 2019 06:05 AM EST
Updated: Feb 17, 2019 12:37 PM EST
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A public memorial service will be held for 'Tommie,' the beloved pit bull who died Friday morning after being set on fire and abandoned in a Richmond park earlier this week.
Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) made the heartbreaking announcement that Tommie had died early Friday morning on Facebook:
"I'm so very sorry to say that Tommie just passed away. He had just finished having his bandages changed and stopped breathing; his body simply gave out. Tommie was pain-free and surrounded by people that loved him when he passed," the post read.
Richmond Animal Care and Control said the male brindle pit bull was tied to a pole, covered in accelerant and intentionally set on fire in Abner Clay Park on West Clay Street at about 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 10.
Witnesses saw an adult male suspect wearing multiple layers of pants run from the scene towards Belvidere Street.
8News spoke with a Richmond Fire spokesperson on Friday morning about the passing of Tommie and where the investigation stands at this point.
"Saddened to hear about the passing of Tommie, but there is a very active investigation between Richmond Fire, Richmond Police, and RACC. They are following all leads and tips to bring justice to Tommie. If you have any information call the tip line 780-1000 or report it in the app called p3 tips," Lt. Chris Armstrong said.
RACC posted an update to Tommie's services on Sunday:
We are changing the format of the memorial for Tommie. In light of the overwhelming interest and support, we wanted to make this experience a more personal one. Instead of one memorial service, we plan to host five open houses this week at RACC to celebrate Tommie’s life and to give everyone the opportunity to visit us and see firsthand how your support impacts the work we do on a daily basis. Your well-behaved dogs are welcome to visit:)
Where: Richmond Animal Care and Control, 1600 Chamberlayne Ave., Richmond VA 23222
When: Tuesday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 22, 2 – 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, noon – 5 p.m.
We will share details in the near future for those who would like to pay their respects in person at his grave site. A closed Team Tommie FB group is available at https://www.facebook.com/groups/240055316873824/ for those of you who want to share your feelings and grief in a safe and supportive environment. Our director will moderate the page and will provide you with updates and an inside view of all things Tommie. Of course, will be available to answer any questions or concerns. Most importantly, thank you so much for all your support through this difficult time. Tommie’s story has touched so many of us in a profound way – we want to embrace that love and share it.
"This event will be open to the public for anyone who wants to say goodbye," RACC posted on Facebook. "We are so grateful for the overwhelming support and the opportunity to put Tommie to rest surrounded by people that love him."
A reward fund is being offered to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person who did this. RACC reported that the reward fund has risen to $25,000 from the $10,000 reward announced on Wednesday.
The Humane Society of the United States announced on Friday that it is offering part of the $25,000 reward, $5,000, for "information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the cruel burning that led to the death of a dog in Richmond, Virginia."
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Lawmakers pass ‘Tommie’s Law’ to make animal cruelty charge a felony in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. -- Ten days after a pit bull named Tommie was tied to a pole and set on fire in Richmond's Abner Clay Park, Virginia's legislature passed a bill that would stiffen the penalty for animal cruelty. Even though the bill is based off another animal cruelty case, some have dubbed it "Tommie's Law."
The legislation by Sen. Bill DeSteph (R-Virginia Beach) increases the penalty for "cruelly or unnecessarily beating, maiming, mutilating, or killing a dog or cat" to a felony.
Under current law, the animal must die as a direct result of the torture or inhumane injury before a suspect faces a felony charge.
Sen. DeSteph said he has been working on the legislation for three years after a dog name Sugar was attacked with a machete in Virginia Beach.
"It should be named for every one of those cases," DeSteph said. "The crime matches the penalty. Not whether the dog lives or dies, the act of maliciously wounding or torturing a dog is the felony."
Tommie was tied to a fence in Abner Clay Park in Richmond on Sunday, Feb. 10, doused in accelerant, then set on fire.
He lived for another five days before, as Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) announced his death in a Facebook post, “his body simply gave out” and he stopped breathing.
"They couldn't charge him with a felony until Tommie passed away, which is a horrible thing. The act itself is the horrible thing too. The act itself should be the felony, not the outcome," DeSteph said.
The search for the person who burned Tommie continued in Richmond.
Memorials at both Abner Clay Park and RACC continue to grow. All week long, supporters of Tommie can stop by RACC on Chamberlayne Avenue to pay their respects and drop off donations in Tommie's name.
"For somebody to have the heart to set a dog on fire, that's like setting a human being's body on fire," said Jamilah Jones, who stopped by RACC to show Tommie love.
Jones was not aware that cases of animal cruelty are only punishable by a misdemeanor if the animal survives. She is glad that Virginia will likely soon stiffen the penalty.
"Tommie opened up a lot of doors for these animals now. He opened up a lot of eyes," Jones said. " Why keep losing animals because others want to be rude to them?"
The animal cruelty bill passed the House of Delegates unanimously on Wednesday. It cleared both chambers without a vote against it. Now, the bill heads to the governor's desk, and DeSteph said he expects Governor Ralph Northam (D - Virginia) will support it.
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‘Overwhelming interest’ changes funeral plans for beloved dog Tommie
RICHMOND, Va. -- Funeral arrangements for Tommie -- the dog found tied to a pole and set on fire Sunday in Richmond -- have been changed because of "overwhelming interest and support," Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) officials announced Sunday.
Tommie was originally going to be laid to rest during a public ceremony at the Pet Memorial Park Cemetery in Henrico on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m., but officials said they opted to change the format so the experience could be more "personal."
"Instead of one memorial service, we plan to host five open houses this week at RACC to celebrate Tommie’s life and to give everyone the opportunity to visit us and see firsthand how your support impacts the work we do on a daily basis," RACC officials posted on Facebook Sunday morning.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 22, 2 – 7 p.m. | Saturday, Feb. 23, noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Richmond Animal Care and Control | 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue | Richmond VA 23222
As of 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, more than 970 people indicated they planned to attend and another 5700 indicated an interest in attending the previously planned memorial service.
For folks who would like to pay their respects at the pup's gravesite, officials said those details would be shared soon.
Additionally, shelter officials have created a closed Team Tommie Facebook group for folks who want to share their "feelings and grief in a safe and supportive environment."
RACC shelter officials thanked the public for their support through the difficult time.
"Tommie’s story has touched so many of us in a profound way – we want to embrace that love and share it," officials wrote.
RACC Director Christie Chipps Peters shared the sad news of Tommie's passing early Friday morning.
“It took me an hour-and-a-half to pull it together enough to say the words I wanted to say in the way I wanted to say it,” Peters said.
Peters said the pup stopped breathing and that his body “just gave out” five days of fighting to recover from being tied to a fence, doused in accelerant and then set on fire in Abner Clay Park.
While 40-percent of his body was burned, officials were cautiously optimistic when Tommie stood up and began to walk Thursday afternoon.
"We were all sort of collectively thinking we might win," Peters said. “And so, it's even harder... at a time when we thought we might get there."
Peters said she going to remember Tommie not for the horrific act that brought him to the shelter, but for the kindness that his story prompted.
In the days since Tommie was found injured, thousands of people in Central Virginia and around the country followed his progress through social media updates provided by RACC.
"You know, animal control is hard. It's hard work and it's been an incredible feeling of love from the community,” Peters said.
Peters said that even though Tommie had passed people can still help the shelter with Team Tommie shirts.
However, she added that there is another crucial way to help another shelter animal find a forever home.
“We have tons available and every shelter across the country is full, so go adopt” Peters urged. “Save a life in Tommie’s honor.”
Reward tops $25,000
Additionally, the reward for information leading to an arrest in Tommie's case has grown to $25,000.
"We remain steadfast in our dedication to find the person now responsible for Tommie’s death," officials posted on Facebook.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Richmond Police, call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or submit a tip online at http://www.7801000.com. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smart phones may also be used. All three Crime Stoppers methods of contact are anonymous.
