Palmetto Pet Care Business Owner Found Guilty of Aggravated Animal Cruelty

PALMETTO — A former Bradenton police officer and owner of a local pet care business has been found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty following allegations of abuse at his facility.

Nicholas Zotto, who operated Pawsome Sitters in Palmetto, was charged in 2023 after two dogs boarded at his business were returned to their owner in poor condition. Prosecutors said one of the dogs was suffering from severe dehydration and open sores. Investigators determined the dog had been left confined in unsanitary conditions for an extended period.

Zotto was also fined $500 for running an unlicensed kennel.

In a separate case, he faces additional charges stemming from a March 2023 incident after a video surfaced showing him striking a dog named Grizzly at the business. He is scheduled to return to court on a first-degree misdemeanor animal cruelty charge connected to that incident.

The judge allowed Zotto to remain free on bond until sentencing. A date for sentencing has not yet been set.