David Yates has pleaded No Contest to all 26 counts of Cruelty to Animals and has been sentenced to 12 months probation for each count, which will run concurrently.
Yates will also be ordered to pay restitution to the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County (HSVB) at a restitution hearing to be scheduled in approximately 60 days.
On April 9, 2021, law enforcement officers recovered 26 dogs and puppies that were abandoned on a dirt road at the 4300 block of 25th St. SW. The dogs had all been piled together into a single, small, wire cage with no food, water, or shelter.
An animal control officer brought the dogs to HSVB where they received immediate veterinary attention. All of the dogs were adopted out to loving homes after receiving extensive care and rehabilitation from the HSVB staff.
St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office arrested David Yates on April 26, 2021, on a warrant issued with 26 counts of animal cruelty.
“With all of the options available to help animals, there are no excuses for abandoning and endangering animals. Justice has been served to David Yates,” said Kate Meghji, Chief Executive Officer at HSVB. “We will always work together with the appropriate agencies to make sure that animal abuse is not tolerated in our community.”