Last year we asked our supporters to call for strong sentencing for a Florida man who buried his father’s senior dog alive before assaulting his father. Unfortunately, the outcome of this case was incredibly disappointing.

In May 2022, the Clearwater police responded to a domestic violence report, where they learned that Tyler Crevasse had assaulted his father after being confronted about burying his senior dog alive. According to the affidavit, Crevasse laughed as he told police that he wrapped his father’s 18-year-old dog Fuzzy in a wet towel and buried him alive. Fuzzy was buried two feet below the ground above a previous dog Crevasse had buried and subsequently died.

More than 18,000 In Defense of Animals supporters signed a letter to State Attorney Bruce Bartlett seeking justice for Fuzzy, recognizing that the case against Crevasse for abusing his father would also be addressed.

Crevasse was convicted of animal cruelty and domestic violence but unfortunately given a weak alternative sentencing of probation and all without a mental health evaluation. This month he was sentenced to 180 days incarceration, 15 days served. However, that sentence was rendered obsolete when he was allowed probation as an alternative, with 36 months probation for animal cruelty and 12 months probation for the battery charge. The court has allowed both terms of probation to end at half-term if Crevasse does not violate his probation. He must submit to alcohol testing and approved search and seizure if suspected of a violation. 

While the outcome is not anywhere near as tough as it should have been, we’ll continue to advocate for animal victims of cruelty. To find out how you can help, visit our Justice for Animals campaign.