Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Throwing Dogs From Apartment Landing

A man has been sentenced to three years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for animal cruelty following an investigation into the abuse of two dogs at an apartment complex in south Harris County.

In April 2024, Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen’s Animal Cruelty Investigators, in partnership with the Houston SPCA, responded to reports of a man throwing a kennel containing two small mixed-breed dogs from a third-floor landing onto a second-floor landing. Witnesses recorded the incident on cell phone footage, identifying the suspect as Robert Lee Thomas III.

Investigators determined that one of the dogs, a Yorkshire Terrier, suffered a broken back and other severe trauma from the fall. The Yorkie was humanely euthanized due to the extent of its injuries. The second dog, a black Chihuahua, was unharmed but was seized from the owner’s apartment to prevent further abuse by Thomas.

Following a criminal investigation, Thomas pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges. He is currently serving his three-year sentence in TDCJ.

Authorities urge the public to report animal cruelty by calling 713-869-7722.