Developing story: This report may be updated as additional information is confirmed. Updates will appear at the bottom of the article.
DELRAY BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — A Delray Beach canine daycare owner was taken into custody Tuesday following a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigation into allegations of aggravated animal cruelty involving a puppy at his business.
Jason Hershman, 45, the owner of Wanderlust Dogs, was arrested Dec. 17 and transported to the Palm Beach County Main Jail on a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty causing excessive pain or death, according to jail records.
The case stems from a May 8, 2025 incident involving a miniature poodle puppy named Cosmo. Investigators say Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control first received multiple complaints from employees at the facility, reporting that Hershman had a history of physically striking dogs while at work.
Those complaints triggered a joint investigation with the PBSO Animal Crimes Unit.
According to investigators, Cosmo was observed to be healthy immediately before being left alone with Hershman. While the puppy was in his care, staff members reported hearing a loud cry. When employees reached the dog moments later, Cosmo was bleeding from the mouth, shaking, and unable to stand normally.
The puppy was taken for veterinary treatment in the days that followed. Medical examinations documented a fractured premolar and a fracture to the right side of the mandible. The injuries required multiple surgical procedures.
Both the treating veterinarian and a veterinary dental surgeon independently concluded that Cosmo’s injuries were consistent with significant blunt force trauma, investigators said.
Detectives determined the injuries caused severe and unnecessary pain to the puppy. Based on the findings, probable cause was established to charge Hershman under Florida Statute 828.12(2), which covers aggravated animal cruelty.
Hershman was booked into jail Tuesday morning. Jail records list his bond at $5,000. As of the time of booking, no release date was listed.
The investigation remains tied to the May incident, and no additional charges were announced Tuesday. Wanderlust Dogs operates as a canine daycare facility in Delray Beach.
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