A Southern Union Community College student is facing charges after a weeks-long investigation involving the death of a puppy.

The investigation began after officers responded to an animal cruelty complaint near the 1100 block of Opelika Road on January 5, 2024.

“Police were notified of a deceased household animal by a complainant,” police said. “Auburn Animal Control responded, and an investigation was initiated by Auburn Police and Animal Control.”

Auburn Police arrested 18-year-old Taylor Michelle Colbert, from Auburn, Alabama, on a felony warrant charging her with aggravated cruelty to animals.

“During the investigation, evidence indicated that the death of the animal occurred under conditions that were in violation of Alabama state law 13A-11-14.1 regarding aggravated cruelty to animals,” police added.

She was arrested and transported to the Lee County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond.