GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) — A grand jury in Etowah County has indicted a Hokes Bluff veterinarian who was shot and had his clinic set ablaze in April.

District Attorney Jimmie Harp said 52-year-old Dr. Jerry Handley was charged with second-degree arson and seven counts of cruelty to animals.

Handley initially told police that he was shot on April 24 when he confronted two men who were burglarizing his clinic. But Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin said Handley started the fire and shot himself.

Authorities said several dogs and cats housed at the clinic died in the blaze.

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Information from: The Gadsden Times, http://www.gadsdentimes.com