LA: Over 180 animals neglected, some dead

A half dozen state and national agencies have been called to help with case of animal neglect that includes more than 180 head of livestock, St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office officials said.

“The St. Mary Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a cruelty to animals complaint,” Sheriff’s Office spokesman John Sonnier said in a release. “In a rural portion of St. Mary Parish, approximately 180 to 200 head of livestock, including, but not limited to, horses and cattle have been neglected.”

Sonnier said several dead animals were found, but the precise location and owner name are being withheld at this time.  The Sheriff’s Office is awaiting results of veterinarian’s examinations of some of the animals.  “The Investigation has identified the owner of the animals,” Sonnier said. “At this time he has been cooperative. It is apparent, that these animals have been neglected as far as feeding, medical and generally care.”

After receiving information and the location, investigators have been in contact with the State Department of Agriculture, A.S.P.C.A., Louisiana Animal Welfare Center, St. Mary Parish Health Department, Animal Control and the Humane Society from Washington, D.C.

Sonnier said several local residents offered assistance but until such time the animals are deemed healthy they cannot be moved.  The District Attorney’s Office will review all information prior to formal filing of charges, Sonnier said.

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LA: Farmer Suspected of Animal Neglect

LA: Farmer Suspected of Animal Neglect
Posted: Feb 26, 2010 03:12 PM
   
A man in Saint Mary Parish could face criminal charges, after an investigation which is going on at his cattle farm.   The man in question is being investigated by the sheriff's office because of pictures of sickly, and dead animals, who some say fell victim to neglect.

While many of the animals on the property do appear healthy, others look sickly and skinny. But the property owner says he's everything he can to keep them healthy.

"I'm doing everything humanly possible to take care of my stock. Dogs get fed, everything I own gets fed. I just got a reputation of doing that."  The Cattle Farmer tells us he's been in the business for more than 40 years, and says he's never seen a winter that's had such a devastating effect on his livestock.

"December, it just flooded and flooded, right now you see the water, and I don't know what else to do. He says some animals died from getting bogged down in the mud, but as for those lying lifeless in the photos, he says he did everything he could.

Sheriff David Naquin says the investigation will take some time, but it will determine if the farmer faces felony or misdemeanor charges or none at all.

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