SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Sarasota man has received a maximum sentence after being convicted in an animal cruelty case concerning the death of his dog, Chevy.
Zachary Saunder Baumer was sentenced to one year in the Sarasota County jail, followed by one year of probation, as stated by the State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit.
He was found guilty of animal cruelty and failing to provide sufficient food, water, or exercise to his pet after a jury trial that began on July 30.
“The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of one year in the county jail,” the state attorney’s office reported.
As part of his probation, Baumer will be prohibited from owning or caring for any animals.
Authorities indicate that Baumer’s actions, which centered around his dog, Chevy, were spread over several months and were uncovered by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
Chevy was kept locked in a hot, dark garage, where he slept on a pile of garbage. Investigators noted that hot air was being pumped into the garage from an air conditioning unit that stored food. However, Chevy was not given any food, leading him to become extremely emaciated, infested with fleas, and covered in sores from the hard surfaces within the garage.
Additionally, detectives discovered that Chevy had cancer but was never taken to a veterinarian for treatment.
A concerned resident ultimately rescued Chevy from his owner, but tragically, it was too late. Authorities reported that 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,” said Assistant State Attorney Kyle Meyer. “Chevy was an innocent animal that did nothing to deserve the cruelty inflicted upon 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.”
Key Information
- Defendant: Zachary Saunder Baumer
- Location: Sarasota, Florida
- Sentence: 1 year in jail + 1 year probation
- Crimes: Animal cruelty, confinement without adequate nutrition
- Victim: Dog named Chevy
- Condition of Dog: Emaciated, infested with fleas, had cancer
- Outcome: Dog passed away on the night of rescue
Article original publish date: 2025-08-01 00:50:00
Article source: www.wfla.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.wfla.com
