8 minutes ago2 min read

TAYLOR MICHELLE COLBERT arrested for leaving her puppy to die locked in a cage without food or water

- Alabama, USA -

On January 5, 2025, the Auburn Police Department received an animal cruelty complaint regarding a “deceased household animal” at an apartment building in the 1100 block of Opelika Road.

Police along with Animal Control responded to the scene where they discovered a deceased Husky puppy named Sky.

An investigation identified 18-year-old TAYLOR MICHELLE COLBERT (pictured), a student at Southern Union Community College, as Sky’s guardian.

Reportedly, a roommate smelled an odor from COLBERT’s room where she made the heartbreaking discovery. The roommate found Sky lifeless in a pink crate and alerted Animal Control.

Once officials determined that COLBERT “intentionally and knowingly” left Sky locked in a crate for several days over the holidays, leading to the puppy's death, a warrant was issued for her arrest.

As police said in a press release, “evidence indicated that the death of the animal occurred under conditions that were in violation of Alabama state law 13A-11-14.1 regarding aggravated cruelty to animals.”

On January 14, 2024, COLBERT turned herself into the Auburn Police Department in her high-heel boots and dressed in all white. She was booked into the Lee County Jail with bond set at $5,000.

At the time of writing, online records show COLBERT was released after posting bond.

COLBERT was originally charged with a misdemeanor, but later the police upgraded the charge to felony aggravated cruelty to animals.

COLBERT’s attorney, Richard White, told WTVM that a felony animal charge is rare in Alabama and believes that “the amount of negative comments and threats made against Colbert on social media may have contributed to the charge being changed.”

# # #

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Auburn Police Department. 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.

COLBERT’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office