MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) – A jury trial has been filed for a former Hardee County Deputy and former Bradenton Police officer accused of mistreating a dog at his pet grooming business.

Pawsome Sitters owner Nicholas Zotto was previously charged with animal cruelty after investigators uncovered a video showing cruelty towards a dog named Grizzly.

Zotto’s attorney was in court on his behalf.

A jury trial on the animal cruelty charges is set for March 3, 2025.

He pleaded not guilty.

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