1Frostproof, FL – A 20-year-old woman has been arrested after deputies discovered two dead German Shepherds left without food, water, or shelter in a backyard pen during sweltering heat, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies responded June 17 to an anonymous complaint at a home on West 6th Street, where they made contact with Nashali Santiago , who told investigators she was caring for the animals while her brother is deployed overseas.

In the yard, deputies found a makeshift enclosure holding the bodies of “Ajax,” a 3-year-old male, and “Sugar,” a 2-year-old female. The pen had no roof or shade, and deputies reported the temperature at the time was 93 degrees Fahrenheit. No food or water bowls were present, and both dogs were already in early decomposition.

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