Over 30 ‘Aggressive’ Dogs Removed from Putnam County Property

Putnam County, Florida – On September 3, officials removed more than 30 “aggressive” dogs from property in Putnam County. According to the Putnam County Sheriff, deputies conducted a search warrant at a Swan Lake Road residence after a months long investigation into aggressive dogs at the property by Putnam County Animal Services.

A release from the authorities indicates the arrest of Mark Plosila, 67, of Melrose, on charges of one felony and one misdemeanor of animal cruelty.

The agency explained what prompted the investigation, writing:

Neighbors have reported complaints of aggressive dogs at 182 Swan Lake Drive. Recently, complaints included 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. 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.
The order directed Animal Services to respond on August 25. Deputies accompanied Animal Services due to potential safety concerns. 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. While staff attempted to make contact with Plosila, several dogs began attack two dogs tethered to a vehicle. Plosila did not exit the residence to break up the attack or separate the dogs.

Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach commented on the dogs’ impact on the residents near Plosila’s property:

“We realize for the residents in this neighborhood, the process to get to this point was a long one. No one should feel afraid to walk in their neighborhood because someone cannot control their dogs. Animal Services worked hard to find a permanent resolution for their neighborhood where the residents will no longer feel trapped in their home. To do that they had to work through the court system. As they worked through that process, we were also able to build a criminal case based on their reports and observations.”

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.

The authorities said the puppies are not available for adoption at this time, writing:

The puppies are with their mothers and are unavailable for adoption. Once weaned they will go to foster homes for socialization. The remaining dogs are at the shelter currently decompressing before being available for adoption.