CHARLES ROBERT HIGBEE arrested after fifty-three animals were removed from his farm in Santa Rosa County

- Florida, USA -

Following an investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) and Santa Rosa County Animal Control, authorities arrested 54-year-old CHARLES ROBERT HIGBEE (pictured).

According to the arrest warrant provided to Voice For Us by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, it all started in October 2025. Santa Rosa County ACO Kelli Simpson received a complaint that livestock on HIGBEE's farm on Bell Creek Road in Jay, “appeared malnourished and were not receiving proper care.”

On October 21, 2025, ACO Simpson requested assistance from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for further investigation.

Ten days later, ACO Simpson, additional Animal Control Officers, and Dr. Schang, a veterinarian with Santa Rosa County Animal Control, went to HIGBEE’s farm.

The arrest warrant stated that from outside the closed fence, officers saw several cows and goats in the pasture. Officers reported seeing a single round hay bale feeder that had no hay. Additionally, officers said that “no other feed or supplements were visible on the property. A partially open faucet on a water pipe was observed leaking water, forming a small pool on the ground next to the fence that appeared to be the only source of drinking water.”

ACO Simpson determined she was authorized under exigent circumstances to enter the property and remove the animals “to prevent further injury or death.”

Several cattle appeared thin, with visibly protruding ribs and hips. One female Longhorn cow was found lying in a hole in the ground, covered with debris, and unable to stand. A metal wire was found twisted around her tail.

Three small poultry enclosures were also located on the property. The enclosures contained approximately thirty-one living chickens along with five carcasses in varying stages of decay and additional bones. “...no feed was present” stated the warrant.

While AC Officers were removing the animals, HIGBEE arrived and stated that the animals were fine and that they did not need any veterinary care. HIGBEE added that all the animals were being fed regularly.

All of the animals were taken to the Northwest Florida Animal Clinic for veterinary evaluation and care. On November 3, 2025, the Longhorn cow who was found in the hole was sadly euthanized due to her poor condition and lack of improvement. The poor soul was then taken to the University of Florida Veterinary Services in Gainesville for a necropsy.

On November 19, 2025, ACO Simpson received the necropsy reports regarding the five chicken carcasses. According to the warrant, the reports attributed several deaths to complications of emaciation associated with intestinal parasitism and inadequate access to appropriate food, with one case involving small intestinal impaction from vegetation. Some remained undetermined due to incomplete remains.

On December 8, 2025, ACO Simpson received the results of the necropsy performed on the Longhorn cow. The results revealed severe emaciation characterized by serous atrophy of subcutaneous fat among other issues. 

According to the warrant, HIGBEE had a total of 12 bovines, 3 equine, 6 goats, 31 poultry, and 1 sheep, who were removed from the farm. Among these animals, 8 bovine, 1 equine, and 1 goat exhibited health conditions consistent with cruel death and/or the excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering. Of the 31 poultry seized, five showed signs of deprivation of necessary sustenance.

HIGBEE was finally arrested on the early morning of February 2, 2026, and booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail on ten felony counts of animal cruelty and five misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. He was released in the evening of the same day after posting a $55,000 bond. Court records show HIGBEE’s next court date is scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the arrest warrant provided to Voice For Us by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

HIGBEE’s mugshot shared from the Santa Rosa County Jail.

Pictures shared from AgLaw Florida.

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