Man allegedly threatens wife with gun before dogs found burned in disturbing case in Kentucky

A Kentucky man has been charged after allegedly threatening his wife with a handgun during a domestic dispute and later setting her two dogs on fire, according to police and local reports.

Bobby Atkinson, 37, was arrested in Louisville on May 21 following a confrontation at the family home that escalated into allegations of animal cruelty and terroristic threats, the Louisville Courier Journal, WAVE, and WKRC reported.

According to police records cited by the outlets, Atkinson’s wife told investigators the incident began after she discovered another woman in the home.

She alleged that Atkinson armed himself with a handgun as she prepared the couple’s children for school.

“While holding the handgun to his side, the perpetrator advanced on the victim and made the statement ‘If we didn’t have a daughter together I’d shoot you and stand over you,’” an arrest citation states, per the Courier Journal.

The woman reportedly left the residence with her children to obtain an emergency protective order but later returned briefly to retrieve medication.

She then returned again after being informed that Atkinson was expecting a child with another woman, according to reports.

Upon arriving back at the home, she allegedly heard a smoke alarm and smelled burning. One of the dogs, Brooklyn and Seven, reportedly emerged from beneath a bed “covered in ash,” suffering burn injuries and open wounds, the Courier Journal and WAVE reported.

Investigators said both animals appeared to have been exposed to an accelerant. The dogs were taken to Louisville Metro Animal Services for treatment.

Atkinson was taken into custody at approximately 3:40 p.m. and later charged with two counts of torture of a dog or cat, two counts of second-degree cruelty to animals, menacing, and third-degree terroristic threatening, according to jail records.

He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. His bond was initially set at $20,000 but was later increased to $50,000.

The case has drawn concern from animal welfare advocates, who say it reflects the broader link between domestic violence and animal abuse.

Shelia Joneleit, executive director of The Arrow Fund, told WAVE that such acts are used as intimidation.

“When people set dogs on fire because they’re trying to make a point with their ex-spouse, it is pure terror,” she said.