Overview
- Boone was ordered into the Austin Animal Center’s custody, with owner John Kaschak required to pay $898 for treatment and boarding, potentially rising to about $1,350.
- Kaschak has 10 days to appeal the civil custody ruling, which could delay Boone’s eligibility for adoption.
- Austin police previously arrested Kaschak after finding probable cause tied to a viral video, and he was released on a $7,500 surety bond on Feb. 13.
- An APD animal-cruelty detective testified that officers seized patio furniture, two belts and a towel matching the video, plus a bed sheet with blood and dog hair now being tested.
- A neighbor’s recordings posted to Reddit galvanized public tips and turnout for the hearing, as shelter officials urged fostering and adoption to ease overcrowding from cruelty cases.