Friday morning Johnstown Police filed charges against 36 year old Erik Licht.  They said he watched his dog catch fire and tried to put him out with alcohol.

Barney, a German Shepherd mix, was found wandering the Somerset Pike New Year’s Eve.  He had third degree burns over 30 percent of his body, including his head and back.  After interviewing Licht Thursday night, police said they have an understanding of what happened.

Licht told police the dog walked past a burning candle inside his Franklin Street home.  The dog was wearing a bandana at the time, which Licht said caught on fire.

Licht said he threw his drink on the burning dog, but the mix of rum, amaretto and vodka only fueled the flames.

He eventually put the fire out, but not before Barney was badly burned. 

Licht said he then the dog to a Co-Go's in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County.  He told police he couldn't afford veterinary care, so he turned the dog loose, hoping someone would find him and help.

"He was remorseful for his actions but that at this point that doesn't make a difference.  He obviously showed extremely poor judgment and crossed over the criminal line, if these facts can be proven true," Johnstown Police Chief Craig Foust said.

Licht is charged with two counts of cruelty to animals. 

He's scheduled to appear before a judge February 26^th.