Man accused of swinging Pomeranian like a lasso arrested

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Police have arrested a man they say swung a small dog in the air by its leash like it was a lasso.

Jamarian Truss, 26, was booked into the Shelby County Jail Monday on a misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals.

The Pomeranian’s owner, Tulesia Patterson, 24, is facing the same charge. Patterson was taken into custody last week and released on her own recognizance.

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 Truss holding a dog off the ground by a leash attached to the dog’s collar. They said Truss pulled the leash above his head and swung 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.

The Pomeranian was not seriously hurt but was seized by Memphis Animal Services and has been adopted.

Truss is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

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