Vet Tech Jailed for Animal Cruelty

0:00A Sarasota vet tech named Christopher George Pettit just got hit with an animal cruelty conviction after a full jury trial. He stashed three venomous snakes, two non-venomous ones, and a lace-modded or lizard in his garage. But there was no air flow at all. Cops found several dead snakes in there during the bust. The mistreatment dragged on for months, with Florida fish and wildlife leading the probe. State attorneys made the announcement after the guilty verdict came down. One of the snakes they saved ended up dying anyway. Animal advocates are breathing easier, knowing this guy is out of the pet game. The case highlights how bad neglect can turn deadly fast, especially for exotic animals in the wrong hands. Pettit's background as a vet tech made the whole thing even more shocking. Judges slapped him with six months in Sarasota County jail, and 18 months probation right after. He's banned for life from owning or caring for any animals, and now he's listed on the animal abuser registry. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Catholics are weighing in on the back and forth between Pope Leo

1:0114th and President Trump over the Iran conflict. That war words keeps heating up, pulling faith communities right into the mix. Local news, powered by AI. This is Tampa Bay News Today.