Police: Florence man kills 5 pets in arson blaze

FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) — Investigators say a Florence man intentionally set fire to the home where he lived, leaving three dogs and two cats inside to die.

Florence County deputies said 49-year-old Phillip Franklin set the fire Monday. The blaze destroyed the home.

Investigators say Franklin left the homeowner’s five pets inside, and all of the animals died in the blaze.

Franklin is charged with third-degree arson and ill treatment to animals. He remains in the Florence County jail on a $100,000 bond and it wasn’t clear if he had an attorney.