FRANKLIN, Ind. -- A Franklin woman is charged with felony animal cruelty after police said she purposely set her two dogs on fire.

Kathrine Brotherton, 35, told police that she wanted to kill her 5-year-old dog and 6-month-old puppy in the most humane way possible after they bit her hand, investigators told 6News' Jennifer Carmack.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Brotherton put the dogs in a 55-gallon drum, covered them with gasoline and then set them on fire.

Investigators said the dogs were initially scorched, but that the fire burned upward, allowing the animals to escape.

Brotherton's mother called 911 to try and stop her daughter, police said.

The puppy, named Jake, was burned over 85 percent of his body, while 5-year-old Boomer was also burned. Both dogs are recovering at the Johnson County Animal Shelter.

"It's one of the worst (abuse cases) I have seen," said Johnson County Animal Control Director Michael Delp. "How does any animal process what has happened to them like this?"

Officials said there were no visible bite marks on Brotherton's hands. Officers said she also told them that the dogs had psychological issues.

"Animal cruelty is always taken very seriously will be prosecuted aggressively in this county," said Johnson County Prosecutor Bradley Cooper.

Delp said it appears the puppy had also been abused before the fire. The dogs will stay at the shelter until they've recovered physically and emotionally.

"Were giving (the puppy) plenty of space, quiet and as much love as we can give him," Delp said. "His tail has been wagging. He looks forward to when we come back to see him. His head is up, but still a little nervous."

Brotherton was being held Thursday in the Johnson County Jail.

More Information: Johnson County Animal Control