Animal Hospital Owners Arrested On Drug Trafficking Charges

#1 Barrett Oakes Welch, 64, and Patrice Taylor Welch, 54

Barrett Oakes Welch, 64, and Patrice Taylor Welch, 54, both of the Colington neighborhood in Kill Devil Hills, were charged with felony trafficking in opium or heroin and with crimes related to inappropriate prescribing, obtaining and abuse of prescription drugs, according to a release from the Dare County Sheriff's Office.

#2 Barrett Welch Was Charged With

Barrett Oakes Welch (W/M, 64)

Barrett Welch was charged with the following and released on a $15,000 secured and $10,000 unsecured bond;

Felony Trafficking in Opium or Heroin

Felony Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Forgery

#3 Patrice Taylor Welch Was With

Patrice Taylor Welch (W/F, 54)

Patrice Welch was charged with the following and released on a $10,000 secured bond;

Felony Trafficking in Opium or Heroin

#4 The Animal Center Posts THIS On Facebook Monday

"Our hospital is experiencing some necessary staff changes, however, we will continue to open our doors and serve the Outer Banks with the same caring, compassion and excellence in veterinary care that we have provided for 30 years."

#5 MEET THE STAFF

We care for your pet as family and our professional facility enables us to operate within a modern, clean, and safe environment.

#6 The Dare County Narcotics Task Force and the Nags Head Police Department ...

The Dare County Narcotics Task Force and the Nags Head Police Department conducted searches on Feb. 4 at the animal hospital and at the couple's home in Colington, said Capt. Kevin Duprey of the Dare County Sheriff's Office. The Welches cooperated with the investigation, Duprey said.

The investigation continues, and more arrests and charges could be coming, he said.