Colbert County Woman Faces Financial Burden: COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. In a case of alleged animal abuse, a Colbert County woman is now facing a hefty financial responsibility for the well-being of 46 dogs taken into custody by animal services.
Debra Catledge, already facing multiple animal cruelty charges since early October, has a history of such incidents. Back in 2013, she was convicted after authorities rescued over 120 small dogs found in cages outside her home.
On October 19, Colbert Animal Services (CAS) initiated a petition, aiming to establish Catledge’s incapacity to adequately care for the animals. The petition also sought a court order for Catledge to cover the costs incurred by CAS in caring for the seized dogs.
The hearing, scheduled for November 8, concluded with Colbert County District Judge Chad Smith determining Catledge as the owner of the dogs and as someone ‘unable, unwilling, or unfit to adequately provide for or protect the dogs.’ The judge held Catledge responsible for the expenses related to the seizure and boarding of the 46 dogs.
According to court documents, Judge Smith ordered, “That the sum of $10,802.00 shall be paid to the Colbert Animal Services within 30 days of todays date. Further, the Court will retain jurisdiction to charge additional monies for each monthly bill, received by the Defendant, from the Colbert Animal Services for the period of November 1, 2023, up and until all of the dogs are released from the care of the Colbert Animal Services.”
Agents from animal services discovered 46 dogs, reportedly neglected or mistreated, and 2 deceased dogs, under Catledge’s custody on her property along Highway 72 in Cherokee.
CCAS officers removed the dogs from the location, placing them in protective custody, where they remain under the care of animal services, as detailed in court records.
The order specifies that Catledge has a 14-day window from the entry of the order to file an appeal.
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