Crime & Safety
Putnam County, FL Dog Dragged for Miles; Owner Arrested Nov. 6
POMONA PARK, FL — A 27 year old Florida woman has been arrested on an animal cruelty charge after authorities say she allegedly drove for miles with a dog tied to her vehicle, causing devastating inju
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-11-06T17:42:29.057Z
POMONA PARK, FL — A 27 year old Florida woman has been arrested on an animal cruelty charge after authorities say she allegedly drove for miles with a dog tied to her vehicle, causing devastating injuries that prompted a veterinarian to recommend euthanasia.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff 's Office, Wendy Pena, 27, of Pomona Park, was arrested Friday, Nov. 6, following an incident in which she allegedly forgot that she had secured the dog to her vehicle before driving away.
Good Samaritan Intervenes Investigators said a Good Samaritan flagged down Pena and alerted her that a dog was still tied to her vehicle.
Pena reportedly stopped and exited the vehicle.
According to the sheriff's office, Pena appeared remorseful but said she could not take the injured animal to a veterinarian because she needed to pick up her children.
The Good Samaritan then took possession of the dog and transported it to a veterinary office for emergency evaluation.
Veterinarian Reports Severe Injuries The dog suffered multiple deep, open wounds and significant trauma to its paws and shoulder, authorities said.
Because of the severity and extent of those injuries, the veterinarian recommended euthanasia as the most humane option.
The sheriff's office did not explicitly confirm in its statement whether the dog was euthanized.
Sheriff Condemns Alleged Cruelty Putnam County Sheriff H.D. "Gator" DeLoach strongly criticized the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"Dog ownership comes with a series of responsibilities for the care of an animal," DeLoach said.
The sheriff emphasized that forgetting an animal was attached to a vehicle does not excuse the resulting suffering.
Pena was arrested and transported to the Putnam County Jail.
Authorities said she was subsequently released on $10,000 bond .
The charge remains an allegation, and Pena is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.