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Alaqua Animal Refuge in the News
6 Horses Now Recovering at Alaqua Animal Refuge After Rescue in Holmes County
6 horses are recovering at Alaqua Animal Refuge after being rescued from a Holmes County property, and a 29-year-old man is now facing criminal charges.
Austin Johnson, 29, faces three counts of animal cruelty. His first court appearance is scheduled for July 9.
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office said a concerned neighbor called June 11 after becoming worried about conditions at a residence in the county. When Alaqua staff arrived, they found broken fencing, dirty green water, and no food.
Six Horses Rescued from Cruelty Investigation Begin Long Road to Recovery at Alaqua Animal Refuge
Six horses rescued from a cruelty investigation in Holmes County are now receiving lifesaving care at Alaqua Animal Refuge after being voluntarily surrendered during an investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE).
The owner voluntarily surrendered all six horses to Alaqua Animal Refuge. Based on the investigation, OALE charged the owner with three counts of animal cruelty. Those charges remain pending through the judicial process.
Six Horses Rescued in Animal Cruelty Case Recovering at Alaqua Animal Refuge
Six horses are now on a long road to recovery at Alaqua Animal Refuge after being rescued from a Holmes County residence.
On June 11th, the team at Alaqua was called to assist in connection with an animal cruelty investigation; they responded the same day.
Although Alaqua Animal Refuge frequently responds to animal cruelty cases, for Horse and Farm Manager Callie Vargas, the rescue was particularly difficult.
Pregnant Dog Discovered Chained Up and Surrounded by Ankle-Deep Filth Is Saved Just in Time (Exclusive)
Foxy the dog is enjoying motherhood in comfort, a far cry from how she spent her pregnancy.
According to Alaqua Animal Refuge of Freeport, Fla., Foxy was one of over 80 animals found in a “severe cruelty situation” in rural Florida. A heavily pregnant Foxy was discovered chained and standing in a dirt pen filled with “ankle-deep” filth. The canine was also covered in fleas. The 4-year-old German shepherd and the other animals at the site were removed from the “heartbreaking” conditions.
“We met law enforcement at the property and ended up getting 85 animals signed over to our organization when the owner was arrested. This was one of the worst cases I have seen in my 20+ years of animal welfare work,” Laurie Hood, the founder of Alaqua, tells PEOPLE. “Animals were living amongst filth, feces, and animal remains. Several were severely malnourished and in need of immediate medical care. Foxy was one of these animals.
Beagles Who Spent Their Lives in Cages at a Research Facility Find Freedom and Love in New Homes (Exclusive)
PEOPLE.COM
Two beagles have discovered the grass is greener on the other side after leaving cages for loving forever homes.
Earlier in 2026, Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Fla., took in 20 of the beagles removed from Ridglan Farms, which is preparing to close. According to the Associated Press, Ridglan Farms is a dog breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds, Wis., that reached a confidential agreement in April with Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy, selling its 1,500 beagles to the organizations for an undisclosed amount.
85 animals rescued from Calhoun County in “heartbreaking conditions”
WJHG.COM
CALHOUN COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – An Altha woman is behind bars facing felony charges for animal cruelty after Calhoun County deputies say they found dozens of animals living in dire conditions.
Alaqua Animal Refuge said 85 animals have been rescued and are getting treatment.
Dawn Elrod was arrested on May 3, 2026, after the sheriff’s office received reports of dead and malnourished animals on the property where she was living.
It all started in 2022 when Elrod asked for help moving animals to protect them from a fire. A Colorado rescue group, Pack 22 Alpha, and Alaqua stepped in.
Calhoun County Cruelty Case
When the call came from Calhoun County, there was no time to prepare.
There was no fundraising campaign already in place. No emergency budget waiting on a shelf. No guarantee that we had the resources needed for what we were about to face.
There were simply animals in desperate need.
Over the course of three days, Alaqua Animal Refuge helped rescue 85 animals from one of the most heartbreaking cruelty situations we have encountered. Dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, chickens, a horse, a donkey, and wolf hybrids were found living in conditions that no animal should ever have to endure.
Many required immediate medical attention. All needed food, shelter, and a safe place to begin healing.
The truth is that cases like this place an enormous burden on animal welfare organizations. The cost of emergency response, transportation, veterinary care, housing, feed, medications, and rehabilitation begins the moment we say yes, and continues for months long after the headlines fade.
Yet saying yes was never a question.
Because when animals are suffering, someone has to step forward.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Alaqua was able to answer that call. And because animal cruelty does not wait, we must always be prepared for the next one.
If you believe every animal deserves a second chance, please consider making a donation today. Your support allows us to respond immediately when animals have nowhere else to turn.
Every rescue begins with a yes.
Every yes begins with people like you.
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