A man from Sarasota, Fla., identified as Zachary Saunder Baumer, has received the maximum penalty in a case of animal cruelty involving his dog, Chevy, who tragically died.
Baumer was handed a one-year sentence in Sarasota County jail, followed by an additional year of probation, as announced by the State Attorney’s Office for the 12th Judicial Circuit.
A jury trial that commenced on Wednesday, July 30, resulted in Baumer being found guilty of animal cruelty and the improper confinement of an animal without adequate food, water, or exercise.
“The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of one year in the county jail,” the state attorney’s office said in a release.
Baumer will also not be allowed to own or care for any animals while on probation.
The crimes, which revolved around Baumer’s treatment of his dog Chevy, spanned several months and were investigated by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
Chevy was kept locked away in a sweltering, dark garage where he was forced to sleep on a garbage pile. Investigators found that hot air was directed into the garage from an air conditioning unit and a fully-stocked refrigerator.
Despite the available resources, Chevy was neglected and severely malnourished, infested with fleas, and suffering from sores due to the harsh surface he was subjected to in the garage.
Detectives also learned that Chevy had cancer but was never taken to a vet.
A concerned resident eventually rescued Chevy from his owner, but by then it was too late. Authorities said Chevy passed away the same night he was rescued.
“While this conviction and sentence cannot give Chevy his life back, it does bring justice for the horrific treatment he endured while in the care of the Defendant,” said Assistant State Attorney Kyle Meyer. “Chevy was an innocent animal that did nothing to deserve the cruelty and neglect inflicted on him by the Defendant. Unlike a human, Chevy could not cry out for help. No animal should ever have to suffer what Chevy went through. The Defendant must now face the consequences of his actions.”
