Woman accused of letting friend swing her dog like a lasso

MEMPHIS, Tenn.– A dog owner is facing an animal cruelty charge after police say she allowed a friend to swing her Pomeranian in the air by its leash.

Tulesia Patterson, 24, was booked in the Shelby County Jail Wednesday and released on her own recognizance on Thursday.

Police said the incident happened at The Meadows Apartments in Northeast Memphis and was captured on video. They haven’t said who made the video, but said it showed a man holding the small Pomeranian above his head and swinging the dog around like a lasso at least four times.

They said Patterson could also be seen in the video, and was heard saying, “just don’t hit him against the wall.” Investigators said Patterson made no effort to prevent the mistreatment of her dog.

Patterson’s dog was seized by Memphis Animal Services and has since been adopted.

Police said the man who was seen swinging the dog was not at the residence when they got there. A warrant for cruelty to animals has been issued for his arrest.

Patterson is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

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