Dead, mistreated animals lead to charges for Fletcher man

A 20-year-old Fletcher man is in jail accused of mistreating his animals and leaving multiple piles of dead animals around and inside his Comanche County home.

Colin Layne Davis made his initial appearance Wednesday where he received a felony charge of cruelty to animals and misdemeanor charges of leaving a carcass within a ¼-mile of the highway, minor in possession of tobacco and unlawfully carrying a firearm, records indicate. The felony is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.

Comanche County Sheriff’s Sgt. Timothy Franklin stated he was called Monday to a home at 12552 NE King to assist a veterinarian who was there to assess the scene due to the condition of animals there. The conditions were considered “deplorable” and multiple piles of dead animals were around and inside the home, the probable cause affidavit states. The living animals – chickens, dogs and goats – were ordered removed.

Davis arrived and was smoking a nicotine vape, Franklin stated. He was patted down for weapons due to past experiences where he had a gun, including a Feb. 16 incident for which he was charged. He told investigators he was moving to Texas and Franklin feared he would flee the state, the affidavit states.

Davis insisted he go inside and “get some things” but wasn’t allowed inside due to there being a gun in the home, the deputy stated. He was then arrested.

Held on $5,000 bond with the order he have no pets or animals as a condition, Davis returns to court at 4 p.m. May 9 for his preliminary hearing, records indicate.