local_news
5 min read
Hardee County Deputy Fired for Animal Mistreatment
Staff Writer
June 2, 2026
The Hardee County Sheriff's Office terminated Deputy Nicholas Zotto on June 2, 2026, following a review of videos showing him mistreating animals in his care.
Zotto, 29, worked for the agency since April 2022. He owns Pawsome Sitters, LLC, a pet-sitting business.
Sheriff's Office officials said Zotto's actions violated the ethical and professional standards required of law enforcement personnel.
Related Topics
Editorial Transparency
Original ReportingArticle Ratings
Factual
0.0
Likeable
0.0
Bias
0.0
Objective
0.0
0 ratings submitted
Discussion (0)
Join the Conversation
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!