The woman accused of setting a dead dog on fire at Sandy Point Beach in West Haven went before a judge Tuesday.

Latrice Moody asked the judge for a continuance. She says she needs more time to get a lawyer.

Police say Moody asked 41-year-old Maurice Jackson to help light her dead dog Brooklyn on fire. Court documents state it was a Yorkshire Terrier around 8 years old.

Both Moody and Jackson told police the dog had a hurt leg and wasn't finishing its food before it died. An autopsy at UCONN revealed the dog had several health issues and was most likely neglected before it died.

Moody is being charged with animal cruelty.

The 35-year-old's father defended his daughter outside the courtroom Tuesday, while animal activist group Desmond's Army was there for Brooklyn.

Moody will return to court Sept. 17. She is free on a $30,000 bond. Jackson could not make bail and remains behind bars.