Frostproof, FL – A 20-year-old woman has been arrested after deputies discovered two dead German Shepherds left without food, water, or shelter in a backyard pen during sweltering heat, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies responded June 17 to an anonymous complaint at a home on West 6th Street, where they made contact with Nashali Santiago, who told investigators she was caring for the animals while her brother is deployed overseas.
In the yard, deputies found a makeshift enclosure holding the bodies of “Ajax,” a 3-year-old male, and “Sugar,” a 2-year-old female. The pen had no roof or shade, and deputies reported the temperature at the time was 93 degrees Fahrenheit. No food or water bowls were present, and both dogs were already in early decomposition.
Santiago claimed she last saw the dogs alive the previous evening and typically fed and watered them once a day at night. The animals were transported to the University of Florida Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for forensic necropsies.
Dr. Adam Stern, a board-certified veterinary pathologist, concluded both dogs died of heatstroke and dehydration. Ajax was found malnourished, with poor body condition due to lack of feeding. Sugar was in normal condition but also had not eaten recently. Neither dog showed signs of disease or injury.
Santiago was arrested and booked on two counts of felony animal cruelty (F3).
“This is a heartbreaking case of neglect,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “If you take responsibility for an animal, you are obligated to care for it properly. These dogs suffered and died needlessly, and now the woman responsible for their deaths is facing serious felony charges.”
Key Points
- Deputies found two dead German Shepherds, Ajax and Sugar, in a roofless backyard pen in Frostproof.
- Necropsy results confirmed both dogs died from heatstroke and dehydration.
- Nashali Santiago, 20, was arrested on two counts of felony animal cruelty.
The summer heat turned deadly when care failed and two lives were left to suffer in silence.
