Pompano Beach, FL - A woman has been arrested on animal cruelty charges after deliberately lighting her cat on fire in the backyard of her South Florida home.
According to police, a neighbor witnessed smoke coming from the backyard of 79-year-old Elgathe Celestin's Pompano Beach residence at approximately 12:30 PM on Tuesday.
Upon looking over the fence, the neighbor observed a cat trapped in a cage being deliberately set on fire.
The neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, called 911 and reported seeing Celestin stoking the flames while the cat was still alive.
Responding officers extinguished the fire and secured the scene.
Investigators say the severity of the cat's injuries necessitated euthanasia.
Celestin was arrested and charged with animal cruelty.
Authorities continue to investigate Tuesday's incident.