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

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