A 69-year-old Texarkana man caught on video abusing a pit bull puppy in November was sentenced to five years in prison Monday at a hearing in Bowie County, Texas.
When the video of LeGus Holloway Jr., 69, went viral, it evoked strong feelings from animal lovers nationwide. Members of the Texarkana, Texas, Police Department expressed concern that Holloway could come to harm in the days between the video's release on the internet and Holloway's arrest Nov. 25, because of threatening posts made on social media.
The video shows Holloway lifting the light-colored puppy from the driver's seat of a white Mercedes before whipping it in the face and lifting it by its leash, according to a probable-cause affidavit used to create the following account. He then threw the dog over his shoulder, strangling the young animal as it dangled from the leash.
The video shows Holloway slinging the dog over his head and onto the pavement, breaking its leg as the puppy yelps and cries in pain. The dog, Lady, was treated at Wisdom Animal Clinic in Texarkana for a fractured femur. She was removed from her prior owner's care and is expected to fully recover.
Holloway pleaded guilty to third-degree felony animal cruelty at a hearing Monday before 202nd District Judge John Tidwell. The offense is punishable by two to 10 years in prison. Holloway's plea arrangement included an agreement for a five-year prison term negotiated between members of the Bowie County Public Defender's Office and the state's representatives, First Assistant District Attorney Mike Shepherd and Assistant District Attorney Katie Carter.