“Can’t own dogs”: Former NASCAR official pleads guilty in misdemeanor cruelty case from 2021 

Former NASCAR Cup Series director Jay Fabian was found guilty of three misdemeanor cruelty-to-animal charges in a prolonged case. The Stock Car Racing analyst and journalist Bob Pockrass dropped a major update on the court's verdict.

Fabian was the NASCAR Cup Series director then and was charged with two felonies and one misdemeanor in 2021. After the allegations, he was asked to step down as the director, and the Stock Car Association issued a statement:

“NASCAR takes the situation seriously and will continue to gather information as it becomes available. Jay Fabian will step back from his role until this matter is resolved. NASCAR will have no further comment." (via Racer.com)

The court issued its final verdict on the case, and Bob Pockrass highlighted that Jay Fabian was sentenced to 90 days in jail, which is suspended as long as he clears a five-year probation. Additionally, Fabian "can't own dogs."

Reports shared that an animal cruelty complaint was filed on Fabian's stay on July 21, 2021, at approximately 3 pm. The report says that the officers found a deceased dog, an almost deceased dog, and a third dog.

According to the 2021 documents, Fabian "intentionally and with malice" deprived his dog, Jasper of all basic sustaining requirements to live, causing the dog to suffer sheer pain and torturous death. His other dog suffered extreme "dehydration" and "starvation." The arrest warrant mentioned Fabian violated Section 14-360 (A) and Section 14-360 (B) of North Carolina Law.

Section 14-360(A) states that if a person intentionally overdrives, overloads, wounds, injures, torments, kills, or deprives of necessary substances, any animal is found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Section 14-360(B) states that if a person maliciously tortures, mutilates, maims, cruelly beats, disfigures, poisons, or kills any animal, the person is found guilty of a Class H felony.

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Jay Fabian's role as NASCAR Cup Series director

Before becoming the Cup Series director, Jay Fabian was the managing director of technical integration for NASCAR. He was hired by the sanctioning in 2019 as the Cup Series director.

After receiving a major promotion, Fabian said:

"This is a fast-paced sport that is constantly evolving, and I’m thankful for this opportunity and eager to take on the challenge. Racing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. There is growing anticipation for the 2019 season, and I’m looking forward to being a part of an outstanding team that will help build our sport." (via 5Goats.com)

Now NASCAR's chief operator, Steve O'Donnell (then executive vice president), mentioned that Jay Faibain was highly qualified for the job and provided a unique skill set to the organization. O'Donnell also believed that Fabian's tremendous knowledge was an asset and would have benefited the sanctioning association.