February 28, 2018
(McKinney, Texas) – Andrew Callaway, 28, of Wylie, received the maximum sentence, 2 years in state jail, for Animal Cruelty and also 10 years in prison for probation violations, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “This sentence sends a message that animal abuse will not be tolerated in Collin County.”
On May 2, 2017, Wylie Police Department was dispatched to the 600 block of East Oak Street in reference to an animal cruelty call. Officers Christopher Gordon and Robert Harper met with a neighbor who witnessed Callaway stomping on a four-month-old boxer puppy multiple times. Officers attempted to check on the welfare of the puppy at the Callaway residence, but Callaway denied them access.
Lieutenant Mike Atkison and Officer Sam Shipley obtained a warrant and returned the next day to find the puppy gone. Wylie Animal Control located the puppy at the Richardson Animal Shelter, took custody, and re-named the puppy Spirit. Spirit was then taken to Parker Road Veterinary Hospital for treatment. The veterinarians found a fracture to his pelvis and countless fractures to both hind legs. They were unable to repair Spirit’s serious bodily injuries, leaving humane euthanasia as the only option. The case was investigated by Wylie Police Department, including Lieutenant Tommy Walters, Lieutenant Mike Atkison, Officer Christopher Gordon, and Officer Sam Shipley.
During the sentencing phase of Callaway’s guilty plea, Parker Road Veterinarian Dr. Greg Myers testified about the severity of Spirit’s injuries and the court heard evidence of Callaway’s lengthy criminal history in Collin and Dallas counties, including four felony drug convictions. Prosecutors also presented evidence that Callaway was on second degree felony probation for a drug offense at the time of this charge and that Callaway violated his bond conditions by failing to appear for court.
After considering this evidence, Judge Mark Rusch assessed punishment at 2 years state jail for Animal Cruelty and 10 years in prison for probation violations on the drug charge.
Assistant District Attorneys Calli Bailey and Lisa Smith prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs.
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