- Florida, USA -
On the evening of Tuesday, August 15, 2023, deputies with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Abbott Avenue in Deltona, after receiving a request for assistance from Deltona Animal Control.
In a press release, the sheriff's office explained that earlier that day, Animal Control officers took into custody two dogs after they had escaped their pen at the Abbott Avenue residence.
The two dogs are identified as a black female named Dolly, and a golden tan female named Buttercup.
According to the press release, “The officers were already familiar with the dogs from past escapes, but noticed their physical condition was worse than in the past.”
The sheriff’s office said that both Dolly and Buttercup were underweight, but Buttercup’s condition was “visibly concerning.” Buttercup’s hip bones, shoulder blades, and other bones were sticking out.
At the residence, officials found a third dog, a black male named Joker.
Investigators reported that “all bowls in the dogs’ enclosure were completely dry. A deputy found a hose and used it to provide Joker some water.”
As mentioned in the press release, that week temperatures climbed to 108 degrees.
Investigators interviewed the dogs’ guardian, 26-years-old ZACHARY MICHAEL CRAIN (pictured) and he said that “he had not bought food in about 5 weeks due to financial constraints.” In the video published by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, an animal control officer can be heard asking CRAIN: “When was last time that you, umm you weren’t able to like or that you actually gave them food?” To that, CRAIN answered: “The last time I gave them food would have been two or three days ago.” Please note how well-fed CRAIN looks !
A deputy then bought a large bag of Pedigree and personally took it to the residence. As stated in the press release, “The response to that gesture was captured in the attached body camera video.” Sheriff's spokesman Andrew Gant was too nice to comment on what happened but I do not have any problems telling you that CRAIN’s wife, who opened the door, called the deputy a “shitty cop” in the presence of her children!
The sheriff’s office said that deputies conducted a walk-through of the home to confirm that the kids were receiving proper nutrition and care and “Plenty of food was observed in the pantry and refrigerator. Pizza was also delivered to the house while deputies were on scene.”
Deputies arrested CRAIN on Tuesday evening and booked him into the Volusia County Jail on three felony counts of animal cruelty and three misdemeanor counts of unlawful confinement/abandonment of animals without sufficient food or water. He was released after posting a $9,000 bail.
Deltona Animal Control officers took in the Voiceless Victims who are now finally receiving all the care they need, deserve, and should have been given by their so-called family!
Court records show that CRAIN’s hearing is slated to take place on September 7, 2023, at 2:45 p.m.
It’s unclear whether charges will be filed also against CRAIN’s wife. I will email the Volusia County Sheriff's Office to inquire.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office advised: “Rather than cause pain and suffering to animals, and to avoid the risk of criminal charges, anyone who is unable to provide their animals with proper nutrition, care, or shelter is encouraged to contact Animal Control, Animal Services or a reputable rescue organization to arrange for a surrender.”
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Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
CRAIN’s mugshot shared from the Volusia County Jail.
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