BAYTOWN, Texas – A Baytown man has been arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty after a puppy was found critically injured, according to the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.
Authorities identified the suspect as Antonio Runyon, 31.
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The puppy was found beneath a couch in an apartment complex dumpster located on Decker Drive in Baytown.
“With animal ownership comes animal responsibility and we are never going to tolerate brutality,” Pct. 1 Constable Alan Rosen said.
The mixed-breed puppy was recovered on Jan. 31 and given to the care of the Houston SPCA. Court documents say the puppy was bludgeoned, sustaining a a “significant head injury.”
The puppy was humanely euthanized.
Runyon is charged with a third-degree felony of animal cruelty.
“If you see something, say something,” Rosen said. “Together we can keep animals safer.”
The investigation remains ongoing with assistance from Houston SPCA.
Anyone who spots animal cruelty is asked to contact the Houston SPCA at (713) 869-7722.