Sign the Petition
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
