Sarasota man convicted of Aggravated Animal Cruelty after entering an open plea

 

 

Sarasota man convicted of Aggravated Animal Cruelty after entering an open plea

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

 

 

State Attorney 12th District

 

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that George H. Boydwas convicted of Aggravated Animal Cruelty in Case #2025CF002572NC after entering an open plea.  The crime was committed on November 15, 2024 and investigated by Sarasota Police Department.  The sentencing was held at the Sarasota County Circuit Courthouse on November 4, 2025.

 

The crime carries a maximum possible sentence of 5 Years in Prison.

 

Defendant alleged that his business was struggling with a feral cat problem in the neighborhood.  In retaliation, he shot and killed what turned out to be his neighbor’s pet cat.  The cat’s owner was naturally devastated by the defendant’s actions.  During the pendency of the case, defense filed a Motion to Discharge the case.  After the State prevailed at the motion, the defendant entered an open plea.  At sentencing, defendant continued to assert that he acted to protect his business. Contrary to his testimony, the cat’s owner testified that she saw the cat on her neighbor’s property before falling dead in the street.  The prosecution noted that there was no evidence whatsoever that the cat was ever even on defendant’s property that day and that even if it was, that would not create a basis for killing it.  Furthermore, the cat’s owner saw the defendant hide the rifle alongside his leg and run away from the scene after he shot the cat, suggesting he clearly knew what he had just done was wrong and illegal.

 

Judge Donna Padar sentenced the defendant to an adjudication of guilt, making him a convicted felon, with a sentence that included incarceration followed by a period of probation.  At issue in the sentencing was whether defendant would be entitled to receive a Withhold of Adjudication based on him not having any prior criminal history.  The prosecution noted that it was critical he be adjudicated a convicted felon to prevent him from ever possessing a firearm again based on the defendant’s dangerous and egregious conduct in this case.  The Court ultimately agreed.

 

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Lata commented, “Senseless violence towards animals should never be tolerated in Florida.  I am pleased the court recognized the severity of the defendant’s actions and held the defendant accountable.”

 

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Lata in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.