WENDY PENA arrested after dragging dog behind car who was later euthanized

- Florida, USA -

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 27-year-old WENDY PENA (pictured) of Pomona Park.

The sheriff's office said PENA tied her dog to a vehicle but apparently forgot the dog was still attached before driving away.

The incident happened on the afternoon of November 4, 2026, when PENA was seen driving a Dodge Ram down U.S. 17 near Pomona Park with her dog, a black-and-brown Australian Shepherd mix, still tied to the vehicle.

According to the sheriff's office press release, a Good Samaritan flagged PENA down and alerted her that a dog was attached to her vehicle. The Good Samaritan told deputies that when PENA stopped and got out of the vehicle, she appeared "remorseful." However, PENA reportedly said she could not take the dog to a veterinarian because she needed to pick up her children.

The Good Samaritan then took the dog to the Animal Health Center of East Palatka. The veterinarian reported that the dog's injuries included multiple deep, open wounds and severe trauma to the paws and shoulder. According to the sheriff's office, the veterinarian recommended euthanasia as the most humane course of action given the severity and extent of the injuries.

PENA was arrested on November 5, 2026, and booked into the Putnam County Jail. Online jail records show she was later released after posting a $10,000 bond. The sheriff's office said PENA was charged with "animal cruelty for inflicting serious harm or death to a dog."

According to a probable cause affidavit provided to Voice For Us by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, PENA told investigators she had tied the dog to the vehicle approximately two hours earlier because she wanted the dog to remain in the shade. When she subsequently left to pick up her children, she allegedly forgot the dog was still tied to the back of the vehicle. PENA told investigators she was traveling between 40 and 50 mph.

The affidavit further stated that Detective Jennifer Mullins asked PENA whether she had heard the dog barking or whining while driving. PENA reportedly answered that she had the music turned up and did not hear any barking or whining.

Describing the dog's injuries, Detective Mullins wrote in the affidavit that the most severe wound was on the dog's right shoulder. Mullins further stated: "A substantial area of skin was missing, leaving a significant portion of the underlying shoulder bone exposed. The wound also appeared to contain embedded debris and foreign material."

In a written statement, Putnam County Sheriff H.D. "Gator" DeLoach said:

"Dog ownership comes with a series of responsibilities for the care of an animal. I cannot imagine the horror this poor animal felt as its body scraped the roadway and it had no way to escape the torture being inflicted. The owner made a choice to tie the dog to a vehicle that could be moved instead of properly securing the dog somewhere safer. Forgetting you have a living, breathing soul attached to a vehicle when you leave because you are distracted is not an excuse. Then to leave that animal to suffer and have another person take care of your mistake is reprehensible."

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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.

Mugshot shared from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

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