Denton Man Charged With Trying to Break Dog's Neck

Suspect allegedly left animal to die

A Denton man accused of trying to break a dog's neck faces felony charges.

Richard Simms, 21, turned himself in to Denton police on Wednesday morning on charges of cruelty to a non-livestock animal.

Officer Shane Kizer said an anonymous tip led police to the body of a dog in a dumpster in the 400 block of Simmons Street in late October. The animal had stab wounds on both sides of its rib cage.

Simms' roommate contacted investigators and told them that Simms had been watching the dog for some time and did not want to take care of it anymore.

Kizer said the roommate told them Simms decided to kill the dog by breaking its neck but was unsuccessful. The roommate said he found the dog in obvious pain and stabbed to put it out of its misery, Kizer said.

Sims was released on a $500 bond. If convicted of the felony animal cruelty charge, he could face up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Police are still investigating the incident and have not brought charges against Simms' roommate at this time.

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