MARK WESTON PLOSILA arrested after more than 30 dogs removed from Putnam County property — 15 dogs euthanized
- Florida, USA -
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 67-year-old MARK WESTON PLOSILA (pictured) of Melrose.
In a press release, the Sheriff’s Office said that on Thursday, September 3, 2026, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence at 182 Swan Lake Drive following a several-month-long investigation into “aggressive dogs” by Putnam County Animal Services.
According to the press release, neighbors had reported complaints of “aggressive dogs” at the aforementioned residence, including “dogs attacking one another in the yard, dogs climbing the fence to get out of the yard and that there were around 15-20 dogs in the yard.”
The Sheriff’s Office said that, as a result of a civil suit, Putnam County Animal Services received an order in August requiring PLOSILA to surrender all but five of the dogs. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the order directed Putnam County Animal Services to respond on August 25, 2026.
The Sheriff’s Office said that “Due to the aggressive nature of the dogs, it was recommended that it would be unsafe for the county personnel to enter the property without law enforcement.”
According to the press release, while staff attempted to make contact with PLOSILA, “several dogs began attack two dogs tethered to a vehicle.” The release also stated that PLOSILA “did not exit the residence to break up the attack or separate the dogs.”
On August 31, 2026, the Sheriff’s Office was added to the civil court order, and a search warrant was obtained in connection with criminal charges of animal cruelty.
When the search warrant was executed on Thursday, Animal Services removed 36 Husky-mixed dogs from the residence, including 11 puppies.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, “Animal Services conducted a temperament evaluation on the animals due to the reported aggressive nature of the dogs. A total of 15 dogs were euthanized, eight at scene and seven at Animal Services.”
PLOSILA was arrested and charged with one felony and one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty. He was booked into the Putnam County Jail and later released after posting an $11,000 bond.
The press release does not provide details regarding the circumstances surrounding the euthanasia of the 15 dogs. While the statement says that the dogs had a “reported aggressive nature” and that some aggressive behaviors had been documented, it does not explain the specific behaviors exhibited by the individual dogs or the criteria used in determining that euthanasia was necessary.
Additionally, with regard to the eight dogs euthanized at the scene, the press release states that Animal Services conducted temperament evaluations, but it is unclear whether those eight dogs were evaluated before they were euthanized, whether an emergency determination was made because of their behavior, or what specifically led to the decision.
In light of these unanswered questions, I contacted the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office to request clarification. Should I receive a response, I will provide an update with any additional information.
The Sheriff’s Office advised that the puppies are with their mothers and are currently unavailable for adoption. Once weaned, they will go to foster homes for socialization. The remaining dogs are currently at the shelter and are decompressing before becoming available for adoption.
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is based on the press release issued by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
PLOSILA’s mugshot shared from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
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