The man captured on video allegedly abusing a pit bull puppy in November pleaded not guilty Monday afternoon to felony animal cruelty at a hearing in Bowie County.
LeGus Holloway Jr., 69, appeared before 202nd District Judge John Tidwell with Shoaib Daredia of the Bowie County Public Defenders Office. If found guilty of aggravated cruelty to a non-livestock animal, Holloway could face six months to two years in a Texas state jail.
Holloway allegedly lifted 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 allegedly threw the dog over his shoulder, strangling the young animal as it dangled from the leash.
The video shows the man slinging the dog over his head and onto the pavement, breaking the dog's leg as the puppy yelps and cries in pain.
The video caught the attention of animal lovers across the country, and concern for Hollway's safety arose after threatening posts were made to Texarkana, Ark., Police Department's Facebook page. Police posted warnings to would-be vigilantes that such threats and any acts of retribution are illegal.
Holloway was arrested Nov. 25 after a woman tricked him into riding with her to the Bi-State Justice Building in downtown Texarkana, where police took him into custody.
The dog, Lady, was treated at Wisdom Animal Clinic for a fractured femur. Witnesses reportedly told investigators that Holloway was upset with the animal, which did not belong to him, for running away from him and jumping into another person's car.
Holloway is being held in the Bowie County jail. Bail is set at $75,000. First Assistant District Attorney Mike Shepherd and Assistant District Attorney Katie Carter are handling the prosecution.