ROWLETT, TX — Rowlett Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a disturbing case of animal cruelty that left a feral cat seriously injured.
On August 21, 2025, officers with the Rowlett Police Department and Rowlett Animal Services responded to the Park at Bayside Apartments on Bayside Drive after receiving reports of an injured cat. They discovered the animal had been shot with a dart lodged in its right eye.
Despite efforts to capture the cat for treatment, it remained on the run until September 2, when two Good Samaritans rescued it and brought it to the Rowlett Animal Shelter. The cat was then transferred to Friends of Rescue Animals and taken to Dallas Animal Urgent Care, where veterinarians performed surgery. Due to the extent of its injuries, the cat’s right eye had to be removed. The animal is now recovering in foster care with staff from the clinic.
Following an investigation, police identified Jacob Cushingham, 45, as the suspect. Cushingham later turned himself in at the Rowlett Police Department and is cooperating with investigators. He has been charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals, a third-degree felony under Texas law.
Rowlett Police and Animal Services thanked the public for their support and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting both residents and animals in the community.
