A Cargo Van Became a Death Trap for 2 Dogs
Kyle, Texas – Two dogs are dead after authorities say they were left for hours in the rear compartment of a cargo van that “allegedly” lacked proper air conditioning and ventilation.
According to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, EZ Dog Stay and Play employee Taylor Roberts was transporting the dogs on August 20th, 2024, when they were later brought to an Austin emergency vet clinic.
Vet staff reportedly recorded the dogs’ body temperatures at 110 degrees, the maximum reading on the clinic’s thermometer, and determined both dogs died from heat stroke.
Investigators say former employees had previously warned owner Evan Zwerneman about unsafe transport conditions before the dogs died, but those concerns were allegedly not fixed.
Zwerneman and Roberts have both been arrested and charged, including felony cruelty charges. Zwerneman also faces deceptive business practices charges tied to how the facility allegedly represented its services to customers.
CALL TO ACTION: Hays County Texas District Attorney Kelly Higgins 512.393.7600
SOURCE: KABB / Hays County Sheriff’s Office