Two people connected to a Kyle dog boarding and transport business have turned themselves in on April 17, 2026, after an eight‑month investigation into the heat‑stroke deaths of two dogs, per a news release from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.
What happened on August 20, 2024
According to investigators, the case began on August 20, 2024, when two dogs under the care of EZ Dog Stay and Play were being transported by an employee in the cargo area of a van without air‑conditioning or adequate ventilation. The dogs reportedly spent hours in the rear of the van and arrived at a south Austin emergency veterinary clinic dead; their body temperatures registered at 110 °F, the maximum reading on the clinic’s thermometer. Veterinary staff determined both animals died from heat stroke.
Former employees had warned business owner Evan Zwerneman that the transport van lacked proper climate control, but investigators say he failed to address those concerns. Subsequent inspections by animal‑control officers revealed that the company promoted “kennel‑free suite” accommodations that did not exist and falsely claimed the owner lived on site to provide continuous oversight, despite the property lacking fire‑suppression systems.
Charges and arrests
Hays County Sheriff’s Office detectives and animal‑control officers concluded that unsafe transport conditions and deceptive practices occurred at the business. Investigators obtained arrest warrants for the owner, Evan Zwerneman, 35, of Elgin, and employee Taylor Roberts, 25, of Dale. The sheriff’s office listed the charges and bond amounts:
| Person | Charges (short descriptions) | Bond |
| Evan Zwerneman | Two counts of cruelty to non-livestock animal causing serious bodily injury or death (3rd degree felony); cruel or unusual transport of non-livestock animal (Class A misdemeanor); three counts of deceptive business practice (Class A misdemeanors) | $14,000 total bond |
| Taylor Roberts | Two counts of cruelty to non-livestock animal causing serious bodily injury or death (3rd degree felony); cruel or unusual transport of non-livestock animal (Class A misdemeanor) | $8,000 total bond |
Hays County officials noted that the charges are accusations and that both individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty. Both were released on bond.
Facility still operating
Despite the felony animal‑cruelty charges, EZ Dog Stay and Play remains in operation. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office encouraged pet owners who believe their animals were harmed while in the business’s care or anyone with information about the case to reach out to investigators.
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