A nine-month-old Labrador mix named Timmy was injured after a man was seen hitting him and throwing him in a southwest Houston apartment. Authorities arrested 23-year-old Gerald Allen Young II on felony animal cruelty charges. Veterinarians said Timmy had several broken ribs and a collapsed lung. He is now stable and in the care of the Houston SPCA, recovering in foster care.
Video Prompted A Rapid Response
According to a press release from the Houston SPCA, the puppy was rescued early in the week of October 27 and rushed to the organization's on-campus Animal Hospital. SPCA veterinarians reported that Timmy had three fractured ribs and a pneumothorax and that he was in stable condition while receiving treatment. “There is no doubt that filing a cruelty report saved this young dog's life,” Dr. Roberta Westbrook, senior vice president of veterinary services, said in the release.
Vets Say Injuries Point To Repeated Harm
X-rays revealed both old and recent rib fractures, suggesting Timmy had been subjected to abuse over a period of time, CultureMap reported. Based on the evidence presented in court earlier this month, that same report notes that a judge awarded full custody of Timmy to the Houston SPCA as he continues his recovery in foster care.
Charges And Next Steps
Constables with Harris County Precinct 1 arrested Young on two counts of felony cruelty to a non-livestock animal by means of torture, as per Click2Houston. Each count carries a potential penalty of two to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Prosecutors have scheduled court dates to address arraignment, custody and the ongoing investigation.
How To Report Suspected Animal Abuse
Officials say anyone who witnesses animal abuse should call the Houston SPCA cruelty hotline at 713-869-SPCA (7722) or upload photos and videos at HoustonSPCA. The Harris County Precinct One Animal Cruelty Division works alongside the SPCA to investigate and, when warranted, pursue criminal charges, the constable's office notes.
Officials said a bystander video and quick reporting helped start the investigation and get Timmy into care. Timmy remains in foster care while veterinarians monitor his recovery and prosecutors prepare the case.
