Dogs found deceased from heatstroke and dehydration in backyard pen; Sheriff Grady Judd calls it a “heartbreaking case of neglect.”
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 20-year-old Frostproof woman is facing serious felony charges after two German Shepherds in her care were found dead in the backyard of a residence in a case that started on June 17, 2025.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an anonymous complaint about two deceased dogs at a home on West 6th Street. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with Nashali Santiago, who told them she was looking after the dogs—3-year-old “Ajax” and 2-year-old “Sugar”—for her brother who is currently deployed overseas.
In the backyard, deputies discovered the two German Shepherds inside a makeshift pen that had no roof or shade. The temperature at the time was 93 degrees Fahrenheit. There were no food or water bowls in the pen, and both animals were showing early signs of decomposition.
According to the arrest report, Santiago told deputies she had last seen the dogs the previous night and claimed they were “fine.” She stated she typically fed and watered them once a day in the evening.
The dogs were sent to the University of Florida Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for a forensic necropsy. Dr. Adam Stern, a Board-Certified Veterinary Pathologist, determined that both dogs died from heatstroke and dehydration. The necropsy also revealed that Ajax was malnourished and had not eaten recently, with his poor condition attributed to inadequate feeding. Sugar, while in normal body condition, had also not eaten recently, and no signs of disease or injury were found on either animal.
“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.”
Santiago was arrested and charged with two counts of felony animal cruelty.
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