Charoen Khamwun was arrested on charges of animal cruelty and damaging property, Pol Lt Gen Piyawat Chalermsei, chief of Provincial Police Region 9, said yesterday.
Charoen admitted he splashed lubricant oil on the dog and set her on fire after she broke into a cage holding his fighting cock and bit it, Pol Lt Gen Piyawat said.
The suspect said he saw a dog in the cage and his injured fighting cock, and assumed the dog had attacked the bird, Pol Lt Gen Piyawat said.
Five items were seized as evidence from the suspect, including a rooster, clothing and a plastic container, he said.
The suspect lives on Laem Khwan Road of tambon Phawong in Songkhla’s Muang district, reports the Bangkok Post. The dog’s owner lives on adjacent Bang Poo Road.
Two-year-old Molly had been missing for a few days. She was found severely burnt but still alive near a pond in the neighbourhood on Feb 15. She was rushed to veterinary care, but succumbed to her injuries on Friday.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed on Feb 16 by Somchai Chanawarno, 52, a resident of tambon Phawong.
Molly later died despite veterinary treatment, just a day after His Majesty the King accepted her as a patient under royal patronage. Her death took place just hours before she would be taken to Bangkok for treatment.
Following the complaint, investigators gathered evidence and questioned Charoen on Saturday. Police said legal action would proceed, as the case has drawn public calls for strict punishment to deter future cases of animal abuse.