AMERICA'S MOST WANTED: Pair wanted on 42 counts of animal cruelty

FLORIDA -- Officials with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office say they’ve identified the owners of dozens of abandoned animals that were recently discovered in deplorable condition at a Marianna mobile home.

The agency is asking for the public’s help in determining the whereabouts of Heidi Amanda Westman and Leland Emery Kluth.

On Thursday, Aug. 8, officers from Jackson County Animal Control, members of the 14th Judicial Circuit of the Office of the State’s Attorney and JCSO deputies responded to 4381 Francis Dr. in Marianna, in reference to a report of abandoned animals.

Responding officers determined that the owner of the residence had abandoned approximately 40 dogs.

The dogs were transported to Animal Control of West Florida Inc., where they were housed and assessed.

Leland Emery Kluth

The subsequent investigation revealed the dogs had been living in putrid conditions for an extended amount of time, without adequate nourishment and healthcare. As a result of those conditions, some of the dogs had died and were being cannibalized as the sole source of food.

A medical examination of the remaining animals revealed numerous health issues, some of which were determined to be life threatening.

Investigators were able to identify the owners of the dogs as Westman and Kluth. On Friday, Aug. 16, investigators secured arrest warrants for the dogs’ owners, for 42 counts of animal cruelty.

Heidi Amanda Westman

Investigators have been unable to locate Westman and Kluth and have reason to believe that they may have left the immediate area.

Sheriff Lou Roberts is asking anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Westman and Kluth to contact the sheriff’s office at 482-9648 or Jackson County Crime Stoppers at 526-5000.

(JC Floridian - Aug 16, 2013)