RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond Animal Care and Control is trying to make #TeamTommie, the dog set on fire in a park in Richmond, a license plate in Virginia.
To make this happen, the shelter needs to pre-sell 450 plates. If enough pre-orders come in, a bill will be submitted to the Virginia General Assembly for the 2020 session to designate the plate as an official Virginia license plate.
If the plate is approved, revenue from the license plate sales will support the Tommie Fund and help shelter pets across the state.
The specialty plate will cost $25 annually for a standard plate and $35 for a personalized plate.
Virginia residents interested in applying for a plate need to submit the application and payment to the Richmond Animal Care and Control before December 31. Individuals must carry insurance for the application to be accepted.
Last February, Tommie was brought to The Richmond Animal Care and Control after he was found tied to a pole in Abner Clay Park, off the 200 Block of West Clay Street, covered in accelerant, and intentionally set on fire.
Witnesses said they saw a man wearing multiple layers of pants run from the scene.
At the shelter, he was given the name Tommie. He was treated for his burns for five days before he died. A 20-year old pleaded guilty to the crime.