- Florida, USA -
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office arrested 20-year-old EVELAND MARIE COLBERT, 44-year-old JARAH LEE FRAZIER, and 46-year-old BONNIE SUE HAHN (all pictured).
On June 20, 2024, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office along with Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Officers went to a property on 6547 Florida Avenue in Crestview to perform a welfare check.
Ms. Kira East, PAWS’ Animal Control Supervisor, said they received a complaint over the phone regarding several dogs at the property who were weak and unable to stand.
Officers found forty-one (41) animals, and according to the arrest reports obtained by Voice For Us, “most of the animals were in bad health.”
Ms. East said they removed twenty-one dogs – fourteen of them considered severely malnourished - ribs showing - and dehydrated. All of them had fleas and tapeworms.
Additionally, officials found and rescued nine hens, three rabbits, three roosters, two cats, a duck, a ferret, and a pig.
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said in a press release: “The emaciated dogs are gaining weight and will be adoptable. At least one however remains on a feeding tube at this time.”
Alaqua Animal Refuge is also assisting the sheriff’s office with this case. Its founder, Ms. Laurie Hood, said in a statement: “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.”
Ms. Danielle Lamarre, Alaqua Animal Refuge Clinic Manager, stated: “One of the dogs named Chance from this case is the worst I have ever witnessed in my career. 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.”
On their Facebook page, Alaqua Animal Refuge posted an update on some of the dogs in their care.
Part of the post read: “Progress on the animals is slow but positive. Sullivan, better known as ‘Sully’ by our staff, is being fostered by one of our staff members. He has gone from a mere 38 pounds to 46.5 pounds and greets staff members every day at our morning meeting. Sometimes, he is able to walk in on his own, and other days, he is rolled in, sitting comfortably in a wagon.
Flik, the dog locked in a box and covered with open sores, is also progressing. Critically underweight, he is being fed every two hours and remains in the ICU to tend to his wounds. Our clinic estimates that it will take at least 3 months to get his weight healthy and 6-8 months before he is ready for a home.”
Alaqua Animal Refuge depends on donations for all of its operations and to cover the costly treatment of the Voiceless Victims rescued from Florida Avenue, a special fund has been set up. If you wish and can afford to help out, please click here. Thank you!
COLBERT, FRAZIER, and HAHN were arrested on July 12, 2024, and charged with fourteen counts of aggravated animal cruelty and fourteen counts of animal cruelty.
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Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the arrest reports provided to Voice For Us. 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.
Mugshots provided to Voice For Us by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
These poor blessed souls were literally starved to the brink of death. The three female look as rough & terrifying as monsters are expected to appear. Geez Louise, these voiceless victims had to look at these treacherous creatures every day, & still not be fed. Everyone one of these innocent souls deserve so much better. G-d bless these people who saved them. Please get better you beautiful babies.