Trial Delayed For Philly Man Accused Of Setting Fire To Pet Dog

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia man who allegedly set the family's pit bull puppy on fire to punish it was supposed to go to trial today, but because of issues with his court-appointed attorney, he is getting a new attorney.

So the trial will be delayed several months, and defendant John Fleet will remain in custody unless he can get lower bail.

Fleet allegedly set the pet (above) on fire because the puppy had nipped at his children, although the children testified they were not injured.

But now Fleet is attacking his own children.  In court he said his children lied against him in the past and suggested they are lying in this case -- although he did not specifically address how the dog ended up on fire.

Fleet has made a motion for lower bail pending the delayed trial. But prosecutor Erin O'Brien says Fleet is doing time for an identify theft, and she says that although he could be eligible for parole he should stay in jail:

"Our concern is for the safety of the children and the safety of their mother, who they are currently with. There was a custody agreement. There is now stay-away order as a condition of this case.  But we are concerned with their safety."

The dog survived the fire and is in a foster home awaiting permanent placement.

Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio.
File photo