Crime & Public Safety
Oak Hill man arrested after dog brought to county shelter in severely neglected condition
A man in Oak Hill was arrested after Volusia County animal control and sheriff's deputies found a dog in severely neglected condition, authorities said. The animal, identified by the agency as Tanner, arrived at the county shelter underweight, weak and requiring emergency veterinary care.
According to the Volusia Sheriff's Office, animal control first reached Tanner after reports led them to the property. Shelter staff documented that Tanner weighed less than 34 pounds on admission, was covered in sores, showed signs of multiple infections and was in need of urgent treatment. After intake, Tanner gained more than 15 pounds while receiving medical care at the shelter.
Sheriff's detectives reviewed veterinary records and conducted interviews as part of the investigation; the agency says those steps established a prolonged pattern of neglect. The office alleges the dog was starved and neglected. The investigation led to the arrest of 31-year-old Johnathan Meyers on charges that include aggravated animal cruelty, resisting officers without violence and possession of drug paraphernalia, the sheriff's office reported.
Meyers was booked around midday on Tuesday and released the same day after posting a $3,500 bond, according to booking records. Tanner remains under the care of Volusia County animal services and has shown improvement; the sheriff's office said the dog is expected to recover and will be available for adoption when medically and behaviorally ready. No criminal disposition was reported by the agency at the time of the report.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.