PETA asks for ‘swift’ prosecution after puppies allegedly burned at Monroe animal control

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is calling for a “swift and vigorous prosecution” of a former Monroe County animal control officer who faces animal cruelty charges, the organization announced Tuesday.

Carlos Santillan was arrested following an investigation into a complaint received by the authorities regarding an incident at the Monroe County Animal Shelter, as previously reported by The Telegraph.

Santillan allegedly placed four live puppies into an incinerator and burned them to death, according to local news outlets.

“This individual was entrusted to protect animals from cruelty and violence, but stands accused of burning four puppies alive in an incinerator,” PETA Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch said in a news release.

PETA sent a letter Tuesday to the Judicial Circuit District Attorney Dorothy Hull, urging a careful review of any prior surveillance footage to determine if additional charges for Santillan may be warranted.

“Santillan’s egregious torture of and extreme cruelty to four small, helpless puppies indicate a clear violation of state law and a serious level of depravity. Accordingly, we urge you to prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law,” PETA wrote in its letter.

The animal rights organization is also urging that, if Santillan is convicted, he undergo psychological counseling and be permanently prohibited from having contact with animals in any personal or professional capacity.

“PETA is urging District Attorney Dorothy Hull to hold the perpetrator accountable for this cruel and horrifyingly callous act, and to ensure no more animals are put in harm’s way...,” Nachminovitch said.

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners terminated Santillan’s employment, Monroe County police previously said.

Santillan was held at the Monroe County Jail, and a Magistrate Court Judge set his bond for $5,000, as previously reported by The Telegraph.

Santillan bonded out on Sunday following his arrest and is no longer in custody, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Anna Watkins told The Telegraph Tuesday.