SEGUIN, Texas – A 39-year-old Seguin man was arrested after a dog was found with a rope tied around its neck.
Mario Perez, 39, was arrested Wednesday and charged with animal cruelty to non-livestock animals.
Seguin Animal Services noticed the dog chained to an object with a rope wrapped tightly around its neck last month.
The rope was tight enough to cut into the dog's neck, almost decapitating the animal. It had to be surgically removed from the dog, now named Bill.
There was also evidence that the dog was chained down without food or water, officials said. Dead crickets were all that could be seen in the dog's food bowl.
The dog is recovering at Seguin Animal Services, where it is being taught basic skills, such as how to eat. Officials said the dog was severely malnourished.
Bill will be placed with a rescue home after the criminal case against Perez concludes.