A 12-year veteran of the Columbus Division of Fire is under investigation for allegedly shooting and killing his two dogs.
Dave Santuomo is accused of shooting the animals several times and dumping their remains in a Dumpster outside his fire station, 10TV's Andy Hirsch reported.
An anonymous tip brought officers from the Capital Area Humane Society to the Dumpster, behind Station 27, where they found two bloody bags containing the dogs' bodies.
Investigators believe Santuomo killed the dogs inside his home. Officers with the Capital Area Humane Society and the Columbus Division of Police were looking into reports that Santuomo strung the dogs up on a beam in his basement before shooting them.
"This is a very grave, very horrific situation," said Kerry Manion of the Capital Area Humane Society. "We're treating it very seriously."
In a letter written to Columbus fire chief Ned Pettus, Santuomo claimed he thought the dogs drank a "toxic substance" and was afraid they were "suffering." Santuomo added that he shot them to "save them" from their misery.
Columbus fire battalion Chief Doug Smith said that he received calls from firefighters that Santuomo was going on a vacation and could not find anyone to watch the dogs.
Firefighters at Station 27 refused comment. 10TV News attempted to reach Santuomo but fire officials said that he is on vacation.
A toxicology report will determine whether the dogs drank any harmful substance. Results are expected back within 7 to 10 days, Hirsch reported.
"Most reasonable people take the animals to a veterinarian or call the Humane Society or animal shelter asking for assistance," Manion said.
"That doesn't look well for the division," Smith said. "When we have a firefighter that does something like that, it looks bad for the entire Division of Fire, not just the individual."
Santuomo could be charged with firing his gun inside city limits and cruelty to animals. Depending on what investigators find, he could spend time behind bars.
Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for additional information.
