A Delray Beach dog daycare owner has been arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty following an investigation into severe injuries suffered by a miniature poodle puppy entrusted to his care. Authorities allege that the puppy, named Cosmo, sustained a fractured jaw and other serious trauma after being alone with the facility’s owner, Jason Hershman. The case has drawn significant attention in Palm Beach County, raising concerns about oversight, transparency, and safety standards in privately operated pet care facilities.
Investigators say multiple employee complaints, veterinary findings, and witness accounts contributed to the arrest, while dog owners connected to the business have begun questioning whether earlier warning signs were overlooked. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Hershman, the owner of Wanderlust Dogs, a canine daycare facility in Delray Beach, was taken into custody on Wednesday following a joint investigation with Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.
According to officials, the inquiry was triggered after several employees came forward with allegations of physical abuse toward dogs at the facility. Among those reports, one incident involving Cosmo stood out due to the severity of the injuries and the medical conclusions that followed.
Cosmo, a young miniature poodle puppy, had reportedly been healthy and behaving normally before the incident. What happened during a brief period when the puppy was left alone with Jason Hershman has now become the central focus of a criminal case that could have broader implications for animal welfare enforcement in the region.
Investigation Details and Allegations of Abuse
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after Animal Care and Control received multiple complaints from employees working at Wanderlust Dogs. Staff members allegedly described a pattern of concerning behavior by Jason Hershman, including instances in which he was said to have physically struck dogs while they were under his supervision. While employees reportedly raised concerns internally, the situation escalated when Cosmo suffered injuries that veterinarians later described as consistent with significant blunt force trauma.
The most serious alleged incident occurred on May 8. Employees told investigators that Cosmo had been left alone with Jason Hershman and was in good health at that time. Shortly afterward, staff members reported hearing a loud cry coming from the area where the puppy had been. When they reached Cosmo, they allegedly found the puppy bleeding from the mouth, visibly shaking, and unable to stand. These observations were later included in official reports reviewed by law enforcement.
Cosmo was subsequently taken for veterinary evaluation, where the extent of the injuries became clearer. Medical examinations conducted over the following days revealed that the puppy had suffered a fractured premolar tooth and a significant mandibular fracture, commonly referred to as a broken jaw. According to investigators, both the treating veterinarian and a veterinary dental specialist independently concluded that the injuries were caused by substantial blunt force trauma rather than an accident or routine play-related incident.
Based on these findings and the employee statements, authorities determined there was probable cause to charge Hershman with aggravated animal cruelty. The charge reflects the severity of the alleged conduct and the serious physical harm inflicted on the animal. Hershman was arrested and taken into custody as the investigation progressed, though details regarding his bond status or court appearances were not immediately released.
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Officials emphasized that the case remains under investigation and encouraged anyone with additional information or concerns about animal abuse to contact the appropriate authorities. Animal Care and Control and the Sheriff’s Office both noted that employee reports played a critical role in bringing the allegations to light.
Veterinary Findings and the Condition of Cosmo
The medical evidence in Cosmo’s case has been described by authorities as a key factor in the decision to pursue criminal charges. Veterinary professionals involved in Cosmo’s treatment documented injuries that were not only severe but also unlikely to have occurred without deliberate force. According to the investigative report, Cosmo’s fractured jaw required specialized attention and posed serious risks to the puppy’s ability to eat, drink, and recover normally.
A fractured mandible in a puppy can be particularly dangerous due to the animal’s developing bones and teeth. Veterinarians noted that such injuries often require surgical intervention or long-term treatment, depending on the extent of the damage. In Cosmo’s case, the fracture was accompanied by damage to at least one tooth, further supporting the conclusion that the puppy had been struck with considerable force.
Both the primary veterinarian and a veterinary dental specialist reportedly agreed that the injuries were not consistent with accidental trauma, such as a fall or rough play with another dog. Instead, they described the injuries as the result of blunt force trauma, a term commonly used to indicate an impact caused by an object or physical strike. Investigators cited these professional assessments as central to establishing the seriousness of the alleged abuse.
While authorities have not released detailed updates on Cosmo’s current condition, the injuries described in the report suggest a painful and traumatic experience for the puppy. Animal welfare advocates note that cases involving young animals often draw heightened concern due to their vulnerability and dependence on human caregivers for safety.
The veterinary findings also reinforced employee concerns that the incident was not isolated. According to the Sheriff’s Office, staff members had previously reported seeing Jason Hershman strike dogs, though Cosmo’s injuries represented the most severe documented outcome. Investigators are continuing to review whether other animals may have been harmed and whether additional charges could follow.
Impact on Dog Owners and Questions About Daycare Oversight
The arrest has prompted reactions from dog owners who had entrusted their pets to Wanderlust Dogs, some of whom are now reevaluating their experiences at the facility. Caitlin Dowling, whose dog Maddox had been attending the daycare since January, said the news left her deeply unsettled. She stated that her dog would not be returning to any daycare facility, expressing a loss of trust following the allegations.
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Dowling also noted that she had observed changes in Maddox’s behavior in recent weeks, changes she now views with concern. While she did not specify the nature of those behavioral shifts, her comments reflect a broader unease among pet owners who are questioning whether subtle signs of stress or fear may have gone unnoticed.
One issue raised by Dowling and others involves transparency and surveillance within pet care facilities. She questioned why Wanderlust Dogs did not provide owners with access to cameras inside the building, noting that other dog daycare centers in the area offer live or recorded video feeds. According to Dowling, access to cameras could provide reassurance to owners and allow them to monitor their pets’ treatment while in daycare.
The lack of visible surveillance has become a focal point in discussions surrounding the case. While there is no legal requirement in Florida for dog daycare facilities to provide camera access to clients, some operators use it as a measure to build trust and accountability. The absence of such access at Wanderlust Dogs has led some owners to wonder whether greater transparency might have revealed problems earlier.
Local authorities have not indicated whether regulatory changes are being considered in response to the case. However, Animal Care and Control officials reiterated that anyone who suspects animal abuse should report it immediately. They emphasized that employee complaints were instrumental in uncovering the alleged conduct and protecting animals from further harm.
The case has also sparked conversation about workplace dynamics in animal care settings, particularly the challenges employees may face when reporting suspected abuse by supervisors or owners. Officials acknowledged that coming forward can be difficult, but stressed that reporting concerns is essential to ensuring animal safety.
As the legal process moves forward, Hershman’s case will be closely watched by animal welfare advocates, pet owners, and daycare operators alike. The outcome could influence how allegations of abuse in private pet care facilities are handled and how owners assess the risks associated with leaving their animals in the care of others. For now, the focus remains on the investigation, the condition of Cosmo, and the broader questions raised about accountability and oversight in the growing pet daycare industry.
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