Fifteen dogs have died after a Florida house fire that authorities say was deliberately started by Terrance Banks while the animals were inside the property in Geneva.
Investigators allege that Mr Banks spread petrol across the floors of the house, lit a piece of paper and used it to ignite the fuel. The fire reportedly began in the kitchen.
Some of the dogs were locked in crates and were unable to escape the flames or smoke, according to the arrest report. Banks allegedly told officers there could have been as many as 19 dogs inside the home.
The initial report recorded six dogs dead and five seriously injured. The death toll later rose to 15, while two surviving animals were said to be receiving round-the-clock care.
The property was described as a total loss after the blaze. Investigators believe gasoline was intentionally poured throughout the house before it was set alight.
Authorities say Banks made comments about starting the fire and asked deputies to take him to jail. During a recorded interview, he allegedly admitted setting the house ablaze.
He is also accused of calling his father after the fire began to tell him the house was burning.
Banks was arrested on a charge of second-degree arson and 11 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. He is being held without bond on the arson charge, with a further 55,000 US dollars set against the animal cruelty charges.
The State Fire Marshal’s investigation remains ongoing.
