SoHo Hotelier Pleads Guilty To Trying To Set Dogs On Fire

SOHO, NY — A SoHo hotelier has admitted to trying to light two dogs on fire, prosecutors said on Tuesday.

Vikram Chatwal, founder of the upscale Dream Hotel Group, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges stemming from his attack of two terriers outside his SoHo condominium last year.

In October, Chatwal allegedly ran out of his home and tried to light two Jack Russell terriers on fire with a make-shift blow torch as they were being walked down the street. The dogs were singed but not seriously injured. Chatwal was arrested about 10 days after the attack.

Chatwal agreed to the plea deal on Tuesday in exchange for a sentence of five days of community service, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's office. Prosecutors said they offered it because of Chatwal's mental health history and lack of criminal history, as well as the witnesses' wishes.

In addition to the community service, Chatwal must complete extensive psychological and drug treatment, including random drug tests, the Manhattan district attorney's office said. Chatwal also has a five-year ban on keeping animals and must live with his parents.

In addition, Chatwal was ordered to pay about $1,000 in restitution to the ASPCA, which cared for the dogs after they were injured. The dogs were treated and released to their owner after the incident.

Chatwal's attorneys said their client suffers from bipolar disorder.

"We're pleased that the DA's office realized all of the mitigating factors and is offering this disposition," Chatwal's attorney Arthur Aidala said, according to the New York Daily News.

The incident unfolded on Oct. 7 as Chatwal "suddenly sprang out of the front door of his residence and, without the slightest provocation, attacked the two dogs," according to a lawsuit filed by the woman walking the dogs at the time. Chatwal reportedly used a make-shift blow torch to singe the dogs.

The district attorney's office said that if he completes the terms of the plea agreement and avoids future arrests, Chatwal will be able to withdraw his guilty plea to the misdemeanor and be sentenced on the violation alone. Should Chatwal fail to fulfill the conditions, he could be sentenced to up to one year in jail, according to prosecutors.

He is next scheduled to appear in court in July for an update.

Image via Michael Loccisano/ Getty Images Entertainment/ Getty Images.