A Florida woman has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after she allegedly drove for miles with a dog tied to her vehicle, dragging it along the road.
Wendy Pena, 27, of Pomona Park, was arrested last week and charged with the third-degree felony, jail records show.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said Pena had tied the dog to her vehicle, then apparently forgot it was there and drove away. A passerby flagged her down and told her the dog was still attached. Pena stopped and got out of the vehicle.
According to the sheriff’s office, the passerby said Pena appeared remorseful but told them she couldn’t take the dog to a veterinarian because she needed to pick up her children. The passerby took the injured animal to a vet instead.
The dog had multiple injuries, including deep wounds and severe damage to its paws and shoulder. The veterinarian recommended euthanasia, the sheriff’s office said, though it remains unclear whether the dog was put down.
Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said pet ownership carries a responsibility to keep animals safe. He condemned Pena’s decision to tie the dog to a vehicle and said distraction was no excuse for driving off with the animal still attached. He also criticized her for leaving the dog’s care to the passerby.
Pena was taken to the Putnam County Jail and later released on $10,000 bond.
