Bond increased for man charged with setting woman's dog on fire

James Franklin Quick, 23, who was charged with animal cruelty, sent threatening messages to the woman since they broke up, authorities said.

Quick told the judge he planned on representing himself, and in a verbal sparring match with the judge, said he did not understand why people were making "a big fuss over a dog."

Quick poured an accelerant on the dog before setting it ablaze, investigators said.

Dominique Clark told Cumberland County deputies that she let her dog, Cocoa, out to run around the yard, and a short time later, heard the dog scratching and crying at her door. When her son opened the door to let Cocoa inside, he saw the dog was on fire. Clark said she used some of her clothing to smother the flames.

Officials said Quick is in a gang and threatened to kill Clark. His bond was increased to $250,000 on Tuesday.

Clark said she is afraid he will retaliate.

"I believe the retaliation is just starting out and it is going to be thick, but it's nothing I can do about it," she said.

Animal Control officers took Cocoa, a Chihuahua mix, to a veterinary clinic on Sycamore Dairy Drive, where she was treated for burns to the body and face.

"She is not really wanting to eat on her own quite yet, but our veterinary nurses are amazing and very persuasive," said Dr. Sarah Morgan, a veterinarian at Cape Fear Animal Hospital. "With some cuddles and a little assisted feeding we are getting some nutrients in her."

Morgan said a medical supplier heard the story of Cocoa's injuries and provided the burn treatment medication for free.