On Jan. 12, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 10:45 a.m. regarding possible animal cruelty in the 8100 block of Lee Road 146 in the Beauregard community. Upon arrival, deputies discovered 29 deceased dogs in the backyard of the home.
The animals ranged from puppies to adult dogs, and were reportedly placed in plastic bags and left in a pile in the backyard. According to experts, the animals died within the past few months to a year.
24 additional animals were found inside the residence, which investigators say were alive but emaciated. Lee County Animal Control arrived on scene and took possession of the animals.
Curtis Dewayne Haralson, 63, Patricia Ann Sims, 54, and Tiffany Ann Sims, 27, were residing in the home and were transported to the Lee County Jail following their arrest. According to authorities, all individuals have currently been charged with 111 offenses, including multiple felony aggravated cruelty to animals and misdemeanor failure to bury livestock offenses.
The defendants bonds are set at $48,700 each, with the case submitted to the Lee County District Attorney’s Office for Grand Jury presentation. As investigations continue, more charges may be added.
The incident was one of three previous complaints made to the residence, with deputies responding in 2017, 2019 and 2021. According to authorities, the responding deputies did not find sufficient evidence to support criminal charges at the time.
"We find what we discovered on January 12 to be among the worst treatment of animals that we have seen," said a statement from the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information about the case to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
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Amanda Machamer, junior in journalism, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Spring 2025. Machamer previously served as a news writer and assistant news editor, and she is currently serving as the assistant content editor.
