NIXON, Texas — On Tuesday morning, the Nixon Police Department arrested a man in connection to a dog, now named Phoenix, being set on fire which caused her to lose 90% of her fur and have her ears amputated.
On Feb. 7, a Nixon woman found Phoenix on her front porch, whimpering in pain with apparent and severe burns after someone set her on fire.
Phoenix's story has captivated so many in the community with people coming together to get "Justice for Phoenix" as she is recovering and rising from the ashes.
After an extensive investigation, police were able to gather enough information to obtain an arrest warrant for 28-year-old Michael Villanueva. The warrant was served to Villanueva at the Gonzalez County Sheriff's Office where he is currently awaiting a court date for an unrelated charge.
Villanueva is facing a charge of cruelty to non-livestock animals.
Police said this is still an ongoing investigation and more information could be released as it becomes available.
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