Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

PHOTOS: Animal carcasses, bones found
Posted: 01.30.2012 at 5:11 PM
Updated: 01.31.2012 at 6:05 AM
0
Valerie Harris' property, where investigators found more dead animals over the weekend.  / FOX21: Kelly Werthmann
Slideshow
Photo:

WARNING: Graphic images in video above

BOONE, COLO. -- A woman who is accused of neglecting and abusing animals may face more charges after a neighbor found dead animal remains on his property.

Valerie Harris was arrested on aggravated cruelty to animals charges Jan. 9 after more than 60 animals were found abused and neglected in what officials with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region called one of the worst cases of animal cruelty they had ever seen.

Three horses were also found dead.

Over the weekend, neighbor Donny Talton and his family were hunting on his property when they found three dead horses that he said Harris tried to hide on his property.

"It looks like they tried to drag [the horse] out from where it was," Talton said as he captured video of the dead animals on his cell phone (click video above to watch).

More on this story
Woman fears horse starved 
Dozens of animals starved 
More than 60 animals abused 

Talton contacted authorities, who obtained a third warrant to search Harris' property. On Sunday they found four more dead animals and collected evidence that may lead to more charges.

"We just want something done to where she is not allowed to have animals," Talton said.

Talton said Harris has attempted to hide animal carcasses on his property since he purchased the neighboring land five years ago.

"Just because we neighbor her we're supposed to deal with it," he said while capturing video on his phone. "It totally disgusts me."

Officials have not confirmed if Harris was the one who put the dead horses on Talton's property. An investigation is ongoing.

Harris is a previous offender, with prior convictions for similar charges in 2007 and 2009. She is being held on a $75,000 bond for the Jan. 9 arrest.

Warning: Above images are very graphic.

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Springs mom speaks out against ex, child support system
Rachel Welte  |  Yesterday at 9:00 AM  |  8 comments
Thumbnail
16-year-old girl leads Springs police on high-speed chase
Travis Ruiz   |  Yesterday at 11:09 AM  |  1 comment
Thumbnail
Aww! Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has a baby boom!
John Martin  |  Yesterday at 3:20 PM
Follow FOX21
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
Loud & Proud
Tell us what makes your school cool.
FOX21 Deals
Deals to area restaurants and businesses
Dining & Entertainment
Info and coupons from local businesses
Health Connection
Local medical information
ADVERTISEMENT