PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — Broward County Animal Care has transferred Nico, the 13-year-old German shepherd at the center of a Pembroke Pines animal cruelty case, to a specialized rescue that will provide hospice care for the dog.
Healy Pack Senior GSD Sanctuary announced Tuesday that Nico has been released from Broward County Animal Care into the care of the sanctuary, its veterinary team and a dedicated foster family.
Officials said the transfer followed discussions between Broward County Animal Care, Healy Pack Senior GSD Sanctuary and the Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation.
According to the sanctuary, Nico will continue receiving comprehensive veterinary evaluations and treatment that began while he was in Broward County Animal Care’s custody.
“Today is a victory for the voiceless,” Sandy Vogel, board president of Healy Pack Senior GSD Sanctuary, said in a statement. “After a lifetime marked by neglect, suffering and cruelty, he deserves every opportunity to receive comfort, dignity and love.”
Vogel said the organization’s veterinary team and foster family will evaluate Nico’s condition and provide the care needed to determine the best path forward.
“We do not know what the future holds, but we do know this: Nico will never again be alone or without people fighting for him,” Vogel said.
Broward County Animal Care Director Doug Brightwell said the agency was pleased to reach an agreement that puts Nico in a specialized rescue environment.
“After careful review and productive discussions with Healy Pack Senior GSD Sanctuary, we are pleased to have reached a resolution that allows Nico to receive continued evaluation, veterinary care and placement in a specialized rescue environment,” Brightwell said in a statement.
Nico’s case drew widespread attention after Pembroke Pines police confirmed the arrest of 60-year-old Humberto Exposito on animal cruelty charges.
According to police, surveillance video showed Exposito throwing the elderly German shepherd several feet from the back of a box truck last Wednesday while making a delivery to a Sedano’s Supermarket in the 10300 block of Pines Boulevard.
Investigators said Exposito completed the delivery and left the dog behind without food, water or shelter.
A Broward County Animal Care spokesperson said Nico was malnourished, had matted fur and suffered from several serious medical conditions, including advanced hip dysplasia and cancer. The dog was also unable to walk when they found him.
Jail records show Exposito faces charges of aggravated animal cruelty, animal abandonment and confining an animal without sufficient air exchange.
He has since been released from jail after posting a $12,000 bond.
As a condition of his release, a judge ordered that he not own or possess any animals.
Donations for Nico’s care can be made by clicking here.
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