Florida Dog Day Care Owner Faces Animal Cruelty Charge After Puppy Suffers Broken Jaw

A Delray Beach dog day care owner is facing an aggravated animal cruelty charge after investigators say a 7-month-old puppy was left with a fractured tooth and a broken jaw while in his care.

Grace Salcedo says her poodle, Cosmo, was injured during his first day at Wanderlust Dogs in May. Salcedo says she received a text from the day care later that day, along with a photo, suggesting Cosmo’s tooth may have been cracked from chewing on a metal bowl.

Cosmo ultimately required two surgeries, one to repair the fractured tooth and another for the broken jaw. Although Salcedo questioned the explanation at the time, she did not contact police.

That changed in July, when investigators reached out to Salcedo as part of a broader investigation into multiple animal abuse complaints involving the business. Detectives say they believe the owner, Jason Hershman, was responsible for Cosmo’s injuries.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw addressed the case during a news conference, questioning how someone could injure an animal so young. Detectives say Hershman was alone with Cosmo when the injuries occurred.

According to investigators, multiple employees later reported hearing a loud crash and a scream, then seeing Cosmo bleeding, disoriented, and in distress. Detectives also allege Hershman instructed employees to lie about what happened.

Sheriff Bradshaw says authorities plan to pursue revoking Hershman’s license and shutting down the business. Hershman has been arrested and charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and is currently free on bond.

Salcedo says she hopes the case sends a message and prevents similar incidents in the future.

Credit: CNN Wire
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.