MOBILE, Ala. — A dog who was severely burned as a puppy in a case that drew worldwide attention and led to tougher animal cruelty laws in Alabama has died.

Doug James rescued the dog named Gucci after it was hung by the neck, tortured and set on fire by a group of youths in 1994. James said the 16-year-old chow-husky mix had been in declining health in the past few months and was euthanized on Wednesday.

Passed in 2000, the Pet Protection Act, called Gucci's law, made first-degree cruelty to a domesticated dog or cat a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Abuse and neglect of a cat or dog is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

James said Gucci turned 16 on Monday and his annual birthday party is scheduled Saturday at a local pet shop. He said the gathering will now be a memorial service.

-- Associated Press

Stay up-to-date on animal news: Follow Unleashed on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo: Gucci in a 2003 photo. Credit: G.M. Andrews / Associated Press