Volusia County, Florida – A Florida man was arrested earlier this week for aggravated animal cruelty for the extreme neglect and starvation of his dog, Tanner. According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Johnathan Meyers, 31, of Oak Hill, is accused of starving his dog to the point that the dog was skin and bones when he was found.
According to the sheriff’s office, Tanner was originally picked up as a stray dog. Animal Services officers describe him as “covered in sores and infection, and he was weak, sick, and in desperate need of help.”
Officers were able to determine that Meyers was the dog’s owner, and he agreed to relinquish custody. During Tanner’s time away from Meyers, he has gained weight and is recovering from long-term neglect. The sheriff’s office said:
The good news is that Tanner has gained a significant amount of weight (15+ pounds) and recovered or improved from multiple infections since he was admitted to the shelter at less than 34 pounds.
Tanner still has a long road to recovery, but he will not travel it alone. Animal Services will continue providing the support he needs as he regains his health and strength, and the opportunity for a much brighter future.
Meyers was arrested Tuesday afternoon, denied the neglect, and asked for his mom. He was additionally charged with resisting officers and possession of drug paraphernalia after a meth pipe was found in his pocket.
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