Target: Dave Aronberg, State Attorney, Palm Beach County, Florida
Goal: Secure the maximum felony penalties and a lifelong animal-ownership ban for the man who allegedly left a five-month-old pit bull to die in a super-heated vehicle.
A five-month-old pit bull named Chela was reportedly found lifeless inside a parked minivan that had reached a scorching 120 degrees. Deputies say the puppy’s leash was tied so tightly to the front-seat headrest that she could not even lie down to breathe. As reported, outside temperatures were about 87 degrees; inside the closed vehicle, heat skyrocketed to fatal levels.
Authorities identify the dog’s guardian as Victor Gil Lazo, who allegedly has a prior citation for leaving another dog in a hot car. A witness also reportedly saw him the previous day lifting Chela by her leash while yelling at her, causing the puppy to cry out in pain. Now he is accused of once again confining the young dog—this time fatally—while he left to “buy her food.”
Florida law classifies intentional torment or deprivation that results in an animal’s death as a third-degree felony. Allowing a defenseless puppy to suffocate and overheat inside a vehicle is an act of extreme cruelty that must receive the severest response. Justice for Chela requires not only a strong prison sentence but also a permanent prohibition on the offender ever owning animals again.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Aronberg,
Palm Beach County deputies and Animal Care and Control officers have reportedly documented a harrowing case in which a five-month-old pit bull, Chela, died inside a minivan measuring 120 degrees. The puppy’s leash was allegedly cinched around a headrest so tightly she could not move to cool herself or breathe freely. A witness further states that the dog’s guardian, Victor Gil Lazo, had exhibited aggressive behavior toward Chela the day before, lifting her by the leash while shouting.
This tragedy was not unforeseen. Records indicate Mr. Gil Lazo had previously been cited for leaving a dog in a vehicle without air-conditioning, yet he allegedly repeated—and escalated—the same neglect. Chela seemingly endured prolonged agony before succumbing to heat stroke and strangulation. Such apparent egregious disregard for life satisfied the elements of felony animal cruelty under Florida Statute 828.12.
We respectfully urge your office to prosecute this case to the fullest extent, pursuing felony charges that reflect the severity of Chela’s apparent suffering. Additionally, we ask that you seek a lifetime ban on animal ownership and mandatory psychological counseling for the defendant. A strong, precedent-setting sentence will honor Chela’s short life and deter others from committing similar acts of apparent cruelty.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Denniz Futalan
Why weren’t his dogs taken away after the first time? The authorities that refuse to do their job are just as guilty of the torture/death of this puppy as her owner. They could have prevented this puppy’s death! This crime should carry the same sentence as if the victim were a human child! Useless, worthless people!
This could have been avoided if this evil brute had been banned from having animals. Also, authorities need to monitor them. I firmly believe that this nasty, wicked thug should be placed in a very hot van with a choke chain tight around his neck until he dies in agony, just as he dis to that poor innocent puppy. That is the only true justice, and also will permanently protect other animals, and society, from this monster.
Damn right.
I am TIOTALLY in favor of vigilante justice for this reason – the damn courts do nothing and these pieces of shit just go out and do it again.
Should have been prevented from ever having animals after the FIRST time he did this.
Florida is full of idiots, both the public and the cops/courts are worthless. That’s why I left the damn place.