Couple accused of burning 2-year-old poodle mix

Veterinarian said dog died shortly after arriving at clinic

A Bay Area couple has been charged with felony animal abuse for allegedly scalding their 2-year-old dog and then waiting more than a week before seeking treatment.

The dog, a poodle and Maltese mix named Sprocket, died shortly after he was brought into a veterinary clinic. Investigators said the dog had third-degree burns on 40 percent of his body.

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, assisted by police and the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, investigated the case that resulted in charges against Shelby Lujan and her boyfriend, Paul Souter.

The couple told investigators that they had accidentally spilled a cup of boiling water into Sprocket’s crate. Lujan brought the dog into the clinic on May 1, saying he had been injured more than a week earlier.

An expert forensic veterinarian who assisted in the investigation said the pattern and severity of the injuries appear intentional and consistent with the dog being lowered or placed in a scalding liquid.

“The details of this case are horrific,” said Ken White, president of Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. “After the scalding, the poor dog endured days of horrendous suffering. We hope our investigation will provide the evidence needed to bring Sprocket justice and ensure that his owners are unable to hurt any other animals.”

Lujan was released on bail, but Souter remains in custody.

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is a private, independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization for San Mateo. Its Humane Investigations Department, which is funded entirely by donations from individuals, led the investigation.