Marianna man charged in animal cruelty case
State police charged a man Tuesday after a dog in his care was found to be in extremely poor health.
Stephen Matiyasic, 50, of Marianna, faces felony charges of aggravated cruelty to animals.
According to the criminal complaint, on Sept. 25 a woman reported to police that Matiyasic had called her saying Tosh, the dog, was sick. She had gone to Matiyasic’s home on Beeson Avenue and saw that Tosh was severely malnourished.
Tosh is described in the complaint as having no fat on her body. Veterinarians recommended she be euthanized due to a poor quality of life. According to the complaint, Tosh had cancer, renal disease and Lyme disease.
Matiyasic also faces misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals and neglect of animals.
He has not been arraigned on the charges.