JAY, Fla. — A 54-year-old Jay man is facing 15 animal cruelty counts after several malnourished animals were seized from his property, according to an arrest report.
Charles Higbee was arrested on Monday on these charges:
- Aggravated Animal Cruelty (10 counts)
- Animal Cruelty (5 counts)
Santa Rosa County Animal Control and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services started an investigation on Oct. 21 following a complaint that animals on the property appeared malnourished and weren’t receiving proper care.
According to the arrest report, on Oct. 31, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services seized these animals from the Bell Creek Road property:
- 12 cattle
- 31 poultry
- 6 goats
- 1 sheep
- 3 equine
“Several cattle appeared thin, with visibly protruding ribs and hips,” officers wrote in the report. “One female Longhorn cow was found lying in a hole in the ground, covered with debris, and unable to stand; she required physical removal from the hole. A metal wire was discovered twisted around her tail and had to be cut to free it. Other cattle were observed consuming interior material from a burnt vehicle.”…