A man accused of torturing a Soledad animal has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. 22 year-old Devonte Marquis Sirwet allegedly stole the pit bull from his mother’s home (about 3 months after his mother kicked him out). Sirwet is believed to have doused “Kato” with lighter fluid, and then set the dog on fire. He faces charges of burglary, torturing and burning the pit bull, and bringing heroin into Monterey county jail.