JOHN ROBERT CLAYTON PENDER sentenced to 3 months in jail for shooting a defenseless dog in front of children

- Florida, USA -

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 31-year-old JOHN ROBERT CLAYTON PENDER (pictured), pleaded no contest to a string of charges including aggravated animal cruelty, child abuse, and shooting into an occupied vehicle.

The charges stem from an incident that took place on the afternoon of April 26, 2025, which was captured by Ring camera footage.

The Leon County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 2100 block of Heathrow Drive after receiving a report about shots fired at a dog and an alleged dog bite to a child.

On arrival, deputies made contact with the Dales, the dog’s guardians, who said that their dog, Athena, had run out of the house unsupervised and approached PENDER’s daughter. At that point, PENDER shot Athena in the presence of children.

Athena’s family tried to get her back inside of the house. Eventually, Athena was placed inside the family’s vehicle and PENDER opened the door and shot Athena a second time.

Athena was rushed to the Allied Veterinary Emergency Hospital, where Dr. Jonathan Mathers treated her for two gunshot wounds to her chest and back leg. Athena remained hospitalized for 24 hours. A member of the family had set up a Go Fund Me to raise money for medical expenses.

The sheriff's office said that PENDER had left the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival, but he was taken into custody the following evening and booked into the Leon County Jail.

The sheriff's office noted that PENDER’s daughter did not “appear” to have suffered any injuries.

PENDER was originally charged with aggravated animal cruelty, three counts of child abuse, burglary while armed, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and the discharge of a firearm on specified property. However, the following day, during his court hearing, a judge found no probable cause for the armed burglary charge and set a $2,500 bond for each of the other charges.

On Tuesday, PENDER entered a no-contest plea to six felony counts and one misdemeanor and was subsequently sentenced to 90 days behind bars, followed by 10 years on probation, and 250 of community service. Additionally, PENDER was ordered to pay restitution for Athena’s vet bills and therapy sessions for the children.

As part of the plea deal, an eighth felony charge against PENDER was dropped.

Athena has fully recovered!

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Athena’s pictures courtesy of Kimberley Dale

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