Houston Man Sentenced for Animal Cruelty After Dog Found with Severely Infected Neck Wound

Daniel Hinojoza-Cernas, 40, has been sentenced to one year in the Harris County jail, with eleven months probated, after pleading guilty to cruelty to animals. The case involved a dog named Terry who was found with a severe, infected neck wound.

Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen stated, “We’re sharing this update to remind everyone that animal cruelty will not be tolerated and to thank everyone who helped bring justice for Terry.”

The case originated in July 2023 when the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) responded to a report of a dog suffering from a significant neck injury, believed to be caused by an embedded collar. The dog’s owner, Hinojoza-Cernas, claimed the injury resulted from a dog fight and admitted to having an unlicensed individual attempt to “sew” the wound shut on two separate occasions.

Upon examination, Houston SPCA investigators discovered that Terry, a retriever-mix, had a large, infected wound encircling his entire neck, with thread from the improper “sewing” still embedded in his skin.

The Constable Precinct One Animal Cruelty Unit collaborated with the Houston SPCA on the investigation. Terry was removed from the property on Hambrick Rd and received proper medical treatment. He has since fully recovered and has been adopted into a loving home.

Constable Rosen specifically thanked the Houston SPCA, the deputies specializing in animal cruelty cases, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office for their dedicated efforts in this case.