AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) — A Southern Union State Community College student, dressed in all white and wearing high-heeled boots, was escorted into the Lee County Detention Center by an Auburn police officer Tuesday.

Taylor Colbert’s hands were cuffed behind her back as she prepared to be booked into the detention facility on at least one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, which is a felony charge.

Auburn police allege Colbert left her husky puppy, named Sky, locked in a kennel in her room for several days over the holiday break, leading to the animal’s death. The case has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for justice for the puppy.

Authorities said Colbert turned herself in at the Auburn Police Department early Tuesday morning. Auburn police are expected to release additional details.

Auburn police confirm the investigation started after an animal abuse report was filed Jan. 5. They are working closely with Auburn Animal Control on the case.

Friends and acquaintances of Colbert have identified the dead puppy as a young husky named Sky. According to these sources, Colbert left the dog unattended in her apartment before the holiday break. Upon her return, a roommate reportedly discovered the deceased puppy in a pink crate and contacted Auburn Animal Control to retrieve the remains.  

An acquaintance shared a video with WRBL, allegedly showing the deceased puppy lying on its side in the crate. The individual described the smell in the apartment as “horrendous” and claimed this was not the first instance of alleged mistreatment involving animals under Colbert’s care.

Southern Union State Community College released the following statement regarding the incident:

“We are deeply saddened by the death of the animal; however, since the incident did not occur on Southern Union property, the college will defer to the appropriate authorities for investigation and action.”

The incident has drawn significant attention on social media, where posts about the allegations continue circulating.