Randall Huggins, Bernice Walskey, Florida couple arrested on drug, animal cruelty charges,
A Florida couple was arrested on charges of drug possession and animal cruelty in a scene that authorities described as shocking.
Randall Keith Huggins, 49, and Bernice Mae Walskey, 55, were arrested after deputies said they were called to their home after they received information about possible drug activity and Huggins agreed to allow deputies to search the property.
Authorities located substances identified as “Hawaiian Haze and Orange Krush,” herbal alternatives to marijuana as well as items used for packing and distributing illegal narcotics.
More disturbing, deputies required assistance after discovering 47 dogs on the property. The dogs were confined in cages stacked on top of each other inside the residence in deplorable conditions. The dogs were standing in their own feces and urine and were not provided food and water.
The report adds that “The odor of feces and urine was overwhelming inside the residence. The dogs had not been out of the cages and were not provided room for exercise or change of air. Many of the dogs suffered signs of malnutrition, skin conditions and fleas.”
Huggins was charged with 40 counts of Animal Cruelty, and, Walskey charged with three counts of Possession of Listed Drug and 40 counts of Animal Cruelty.
The dogs won’t be back at the home, as deputies said the couple surrendered them to Animal Control, where they are now being cared for.
Polk Animal Control is providing the dogs with medical care at its facilities. Officials said most of the dogs have great temperaments but it is too soon to say if they will be put up for adoption to the public.