CRESTVIEW, Fla. (WDNews) – Three Florida women were arrested on 14 counts of animal cruelty, plus another 14 counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
Dozens of neglected animals were rescued from a home on Florida Avenue near Crestview last month by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
The three women were arrested on July 12 after authorities said they discovered animals severely mistreated through starvation, lack of water, and neglected medical care.
Bonnie Sue Hahn (46), Jarah Lee Frazier (44), and Eveland Colbert (20) are charged with 28 counts of animal cruelty-related charges.
Documents show 41 animals, including pets and livestock, were rescued from the property.
“Fourteen of the dogs were found to be void of muscle and fat, indicating starvation,” one of the reports said.
All of the animals were found to have tapeworms and fleas. The livestock had not been provided with potable water and had algae and moving insect larvae in the water that was provided to them.
“The animals from [this] case were some of the worst we have ever seen. Twenty-one animals arrived at the refuge, many in critical condition, and several remain in ICU today,” Laurie Hood, the founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, said in a statement.
“This dog was critically underweight and had bed sores all over him from the protrusion of his hips and spine rubbing against the box he was living in. It will take 6-8 months under our care before he can be ready for a home,” said Alaqua Clinic Manager Danielle Lamarre.
All of the animals on the property were either confiscated or surrendered.
Alaqua animal refuge is now accepting donations to help treat these neglected animals.
You can donate by clicking this link.
