Pet Sitter, Former Bradenton Cop Charged With Animal Cruelty: State

PALMETTO, FL — A pet sitter and former Bradenton police officer has been charged with animal cruelty, according to a news release from State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office.

Nicholas Zotto, 29, faces the charge, a first-degree misdemeanor, after videos surfaced of him being violent with Grizzly, a dog in his care.

Zotto owned Pawesome Sitters Pet Services in Palmetto, which is now listed as permanently closed on its Google business page.

His arrest follows a joint investigation by Manatee County Animal Services, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Brodsky’s office.

The investigation was initiated in response to multiple inquiries from concerned citizens after videos of his animal cruelty were shared on social media, the state attorney said. The investigative findings were turned over to Brodsky’s office on Wednesday and Thursday.

Zotto was previously employed as a deputy with the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office and was fired by the agency because of the animal cruelty charge.

Manatee County Animal Services also cited him with civil ordinance violations of Manatee County code for the operation of his business.