Joshua Schlotmann was found guilty of one count of Cruelty to Animals, for holding a dog down and striking it in the face with his fist multiple times, following a one-day trial in Lee County.
In September 2019, Schlotmann was seen hitting his approximate 20-pound mix-breed dog, while in the front yard of his neighbor’s Lehigh Acres home. The surveillance video from a RING doorbell caught the crime live as it happened and the video was shared to social media. Neighbors recognized the home and called 911.
Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene and investigated. The dog was taken to safety and Schlotmann was arrested following an interview with a detective. The dog luckily did not have any permanent physical injuries.
Assistant State Attorney Brian Morrison and Assistant State Attorney Jennifer Orcutt-Angius prosecuted the case on behalf of the State Attorney’s Office. The prosecutors asked the Honorable Judge Devin George to sentence the defendant to one year of probation with a condition being that the defendant must also serve 180 days in jail.
Prosecutors also asked for the defendant to not be allowed to have custody of any dogs, nor live with anyone who has a dog, during the term of his probation.
The judge sentenced the defendant immediately after the verdict to one year of probation. Schlotmann also must pay a $250 fine, must perform 50 community service hours, and attend and complete an anger management course. He is also not allowed to have custody of any dogs or live where they are in the home.
“I appreciate the hard work of the jury in this case. I am glad our prosecutors pushed for incarceration as the abuse of animals is a serious crime. I want to make sure that all victims have a voice,” said State Attorney Amira Fox.
Samantha Syoen
Communications Director
State Attorney’s Office
ssyoen@sao20.org
239-533-1125