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A Garfield resident whose family's pet cat was killed by a pit bull terrier is accused of setting the dog on fire at least twice while his sister and several other young people watched, a humane officer said Thursday.

Michael Grier, 18, was arrested yesterday afternoon at his family's home on Jordan Way, not far from where the young dog was set ablaze and left to die on May 22, said Kathy Hecker, a humane officer for Animal Friends.

A 10-year-old boy who is not related to Grier will be charged as an accomplice, Hecker said. The 10-year-old, who will face juvenile charges of cruelty to animals, was not in custody last night, she said.

"This was particularly horrible," Hecker said. "(Witnesses) said they doused the dog with lighter fluid and lit it. When it didn't burn, they doused it again until it ignited."

Several children between the ages of 10 and 15 — including Grier's sister — watched the incident, Hecker said.

Grier's mother called 911 to report that someone had burned the dog.

City animal control officers took the dog to the Animal Rescue League hospital in East Liberty where it died May 23, Hecker said.

A friend of Grier's who witnessed the incident will be eligible for the $2,500 reward that was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, said Hecker, who conducted the investigation along with city police officer Christine Luffey.

Grier was awaiting arraignment in Night Court on charges of charges of cruelty to animals and corrupting the morals of minors, Hecker said. She said if Grier is convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $1,000 fine.

"Violent behavior, whether perpetrated against a dog or another human being, is still violence," Hecker said.

"Research proves that violent children often become violent adults. What these kids perpetrated and witnessed will profoundly impact their future behavior. For our community's sake, we need to take these crimes seriously."

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