The town of Roland’s Animal Control Supervisor, Kayla Barnes, 32, of Alma, Ark., has been charged with felony animal cruelty after a husky was reportedly discovered dead in a town facility.
A warrant for Barnes’ arrest was issued on Sept. 16, according to court records, and she received a $5,000 bond. She is now scheduled for an Oct. 9 arraignment with Associate District Judge Kyle Waters.
The case came to light when the Roland Police Department enlisted the District Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force for assistance on August 20. The assistant public works director reportedly alerted authorities to the tragic situation, revealing that the husky had been found deceased in a locked pen at the facility.
Roland Assistant Police Chief Chris Waters said it was reported there was no food or water for the animals before he arrived at the facility, but a dog had been found dead and a puppy was found in a small pen.
Upon investigation, authorities noted that the facility’s roll-up door was shut, and that the remaining 14 dogs inside had no access to food or water. Court documents indicate that Barnes, who has been employed with the town since November 2021, was solely responsible for the care and management of the animals.
According to the affidavit, Barnes reportedly admitted to investigators that she did not provide food or water for the dogs during several weekends in August, specifically on the 10, 11, 17 and 18. During this period, temperatures soared, reaching a high of 100 degrees with a “feel like” temperature of 115 on Aug. 18.
District Attorney Jack Thorp said the potential penalties for the charges against Barnes include a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
