Dog who was covered in petrol, set alight and left for dead to face his torturers in court

A young dog who made a miracle recovery after being set alight is set to come face-to-face with his torturers in open court. After being left for dead, Mambo will appear before a judge and jury in the prosecution of the 17-year-old man and 22-year-old woman who poured petrol over him before setting him alight.

'It will be like a scene out of a Lassie film,' said Jean Moreau, an animal rights activist in the French city of Perpignan, where the unprecedented trial will take place in December. 'These despicable people thought they had killed the hero dog, but in fact he will be alive and kicking and helping to bring them to justice.'

The accused, who are charged with extreme animal cruelty, face a possible prison sentence of up to six months, fines of up to £2,000, and a lifetime ban from keeping animals.



Mambo, a slight chocolate brown crossbreed, suffered third degree burns on 50 per cent of his body in the attack on August 10. It took place in the picturesque Pyrenees village of Espira-de-l'Agly, in south-west France. Mambo will appear as prosecution evidence, showing off his terrible burns.

It may be that he in fact recognises his tormentors, which could make for a very dramatic court drama, but the main aim is to illustrate what cruelty he suffered.

Mr Moreau added: 'It is unusual for an animal to appear in court in this matter, but the prosecution believes that Mambo's appearance will have a very powerful effect on all those involved in proceedings.'