CRESTVIEW, Fla., July 15, 2024—Three people were arrested Friday in conjunction with a case of animal cruelty at a home near Crestview last month.

Bonnie Sue Hahn, 46; Jarah Lee Frazier, 44; and Eveland Marie Colbert, 20, were arrested Friday and charged with 14 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 14 counts of animal cruelty.

A tip led Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society to a home on Florida Avenue June 20.

Once there, officers and PAWS staff found dogs considered severely mistreated by starvation and a lack of water and medical care, according to an OCSO news release.

In addition to the dogs, livestock consisting of a pig, a duck, nine chickens and three roosters were found with no drinking water—their water source contained algae and moving insect larvae.

All 41 animals on the property were either confiscated or surrendered and taken to a registered Florida veterinarian for evaluation. Fourteen of the dogs were found to be emaciated, severely dehydrated and had fleas and tapeworms. Two dogs had open pressure sores on their hind quarters, according to the arrest reports.

After being read their rights, all three women stated they asked for help and tried to surrender the animals on several occasions, according to the reports, but animal shelters refused to take the dogs.

Colbert stated she filled the dogs’ feed bowls three times a day, but they were not gaining weight, according to her arrest report. She said she took one male dog, Chance, to a Pensacola vet hospital where he was treated for open sores. The vet gave Colbert a de-wormer and antibiotics with instructions to return in a couple of days. Records there indicates she did not return Chance to the vet.

The confiscated emaciated dogs are gaining weight and will be adoptable, according to the release. At least one, however, remains on a feeding tube at this time.

“It was great to be able to work in conjunction with PAWS and their staff to enforce Florida laws,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “Along with our investigators Michael Kruger and Nate Bowen, they did outstanding work to get the suffering animals to safety. Alaqua Animal Refuge is also assisting with the mission.”

Anyone aware of animal abuse should contact the OCSO, PAWS or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.