A man has been arrested by police after allegedly killing a pet bird and then setting its owner’s home on fire in Hobart’s northern suburbs.
The 29-year-old from Glenorchy has been charged with arson over the incident that saw a unit on Beenak Street in Chigwell completely destroyed by fire on Monday morning.
Firefighters were called to the address at around 9am and found it engulfed in flames, but managed to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining units.
Police say the man believed to be responsible was taken into custody “a short distance” away from the scene.
“He has since been charged with arson, aggravated burglary and do an act which resulted in the death of an animal,” police said.
“Police will allege that the man killed a pet bird belonging to the occupant prior to setting fire to the unit.”
The man will be held in custody overnight and will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The blaze is estimated to have caused around $250,000 in damage.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously,” police said.
