Southern Union Student Arrested on Animal Cruelty Charges After Husky’s Death
A Southern Union State Community College student, Taylor Michelle Colbert, was arrested on January 14, 2025, and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony. Colbert, 18, turned herself in at the Auburn Police Department early Tuesday morning before being escorted into the Lee County Detention Facility. Wearing all white and high-heeled boots, her hands were cuffed behind her back as she prepared to be booked on the charge. As heinous as this crime is, she really was looking fabulous during her arrest… did she dress up for the arrest? If so, does that make all of this even more unusual?
The case has garnered significant attention online, with social media posts and discussions continuing to circulate widely. Auburn Police have stated that additional details regarding the case will be released as the investigation progresses.
Auburn Police allege that Colbert left her husky puppy, Sky, locked in a kennel in her room for several days during the holiday break, resulting in the animal’s death. The investigation began after an animal abuse report was filed on January 5, and police are working in coordination with Auburn Animal Control to investigate the case. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with calls for justice for the deceased puppy.
In Alabama, aggravated cruelty to animals is classified as a Class C felony under state law. This charge applies to intentional acts that cause severe injury or death to an animal, such as abandonment leading to death or knowingly depriving an animal of necessary sustenance, shelter, or care.
Potential Consequences for a Class C Felony in Alabama:
- Prison Sentence:
- A Class C felony carries a potential prison term ranging from 1 year and 1 day to 10 years.
- Fines:
- Convictions can result in fines of up to $15,000.
- Probation and Other Conditions:
- In some cases, the court may impose probation instead of incarceration. Conditions of probation may include mandatory counseling or education programs focused on animal cruelty prevention.
- Restitution payments to cover veterinary costs, animal control expenses, or other damages related to the incident.
- Additional Penalties:
- The offender may face a ban on owning animals for a specific period or permanently, depending on the severity of the offense and past history.
- Convictions could also lead to a permanent criminal record, affecting employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
- Community Service:
- Courts often require offenders in animal cruelty cases to perform community service, particularly in programs related to animal welfare.
Given the significant public outcry and the allegations surrounding this case, prosecutors may pursue stringent penalties to emphasize the seriousness of the crime and deter similar behavior. If convicted, Colbert’s sentence will likely reflect the severity of the charges and any aggravating circumstances, such as prior allegations of mistreatment.
(image below upscaled for clarity)
Charges Below:
Booking Date: 01/14/25 City: Auburn, Alabama Age/YOB: 14
Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Weight: Height: Gender: Female
| Title | Type | Bond |
| AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS | $ |