Roland’s former animal control supervisor who was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty has had her charge amended to abandonment of animals, according to court records.

Kayla Barnes, 34, of Alma, Ark., was reportedly charged on Sept. 16, 2024, after a husky was discovered dead in a town facility. A warrant for Barnes’ arrest was issued the same day and she received a $5,000 bond.

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 Aug. 20, 2024.

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 degrees on Aug. 18.

According to court records, Barnes entered a plea to the reduced misdemeanor charge on Feb. 2 in Sequoyah County District Court.