Overview
- Investigators say two dogs died on Aug. 20, 2024 after spending hours in the rear cargo area of a van without adequate ventilation or air conditioning and a vet determined the cause was heatstroke.
- The Hays County Sheriff’s Office obtained arrest warrants and the owner, Evan Zwerneman, and employee Taylor Roberts surrendered to jail on April 17, 2026 and were released on bond.
- Zwerneman faces two third-degree felony counts for cruelty causing serious bodily injury or death, misdemeanor counts for cruel transport and three deceptive-practice counts, while Roberts faces two felonies and a misdemeanor transport charge.
- The sheriff’s office says its probe found a pattern of unsafe transport conditions, ignored employee warnings, and deceptive advertising including nonexistent “kennel-free” suites and a false claim that the owner lived on site.
- EZ Dog Stay and Play remains open and authorities are asking pet owners who believe their animals were harmed to contact Detective Jessica Barkley as the investigation and possible regulatory actions continue.