Warning: The details and images contained in this article are graphic and may be disturbing to some.
CRESTVIEW, Fla (WDHN) — Three women in the Florida panhandle were arrested last week after Okaloosa County Sheriff’s officials claim they found dozens of animals “severely mistreated” on their property.
According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, 44-year-old Sarah Lee, 46-year-old Bonnie Sue Hahn, and 20-year-old Eveland Colbert are charged with 14 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 14 counts of animal cruelty.
A release from the OCSO claims the three women were arrested on July 12 after investigators found approximately 41 animals on their property that were “severely mistreated by starvation, lack of water, and medical care.”
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Animal Control officials said they found 21 dogs, two cats, three rabbits, nine hens, three roosters, a duck, a ferret, and a pig.
Deputies claim the livestock had no potable water.
The release says all the animals were confiscated from the property, and most of the “emaciated” dogs are gaining weight and will be adoptable soon; however, one dog is still on a feeding tube.
The investigation began after the OCSO received a tip from the public, and the animals were rescued by officials from the sheriff’s office and the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
Alaqua Animal Refuge in Okaloosa County said they took eleven dogs and ten farm animals from the property for rehabilitation.
“One of the dogs we named Flik from this case is the worst I have ever witnessed in my career,” stated Alaqua Clinic Manager Danielle Lamarre. “This dog was critically underweight and had bed sores all over him from the protrusion of his hips and spine rubbing against the box that he was living in. It will take 6-8 months under our care before he can be ready for a home”.
“The animals from the 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,” said Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua. “We appreciate the work that PAWS and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office have done to ensure these animals get the justice they deserve.”
