The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office recently conducted a successful investigation resulting in the rescue of more than forty abused dogs in Clayton, Louisiana. The investigation began in early January when authorities received reports of dogs running loose and suspicions of dog fighting activities on a 28-acre property located at 295 Anderson Road.
Initially, CPSO investigators employed a drone under a search warrant to survey the area. The footage collected was shared with experts from the Humane Society of Louisiana and the USDA-Office of Inspector General, both of whom specialize in dog fighting investigations. Upon review, these organizations recommended that CPSO continue investigating to ascertain whether the dogs were victims of abuse, fighting, or both.
The subsequent investigation led by CPSO Criminal Investigator Captain Phillip Smith, alongside an investigator from Dixon Correctional Institute Pen Pals-Emergency Animal Rescue, confirmed severe abuse and neglect of the dogs. Authorities found the dogs abandoned, malnourished, injured, and living under extremely poor conditions. Veterinary examinations revealed that all rescued dogs had staph infections.
Tia Torrez, known for her work with Villa Lobos Rescue Center and the television show Pit Bulls and Parolees, also assisted in the rescue effort, providing her expertise and support.
Following the issuance of a second search warrant, CPSO, assisted by Dixon Correctional Institute Pen Pals-Emergency Animal Rescue, the Humane Society of Louisiana, and Villa Lobos Rescue Center, rescued over forty pit bulls from the property. The animals are now receiving essential medical care through Dixon Correctional Institute Pen Pals-Emergency Animal Rescue.
Generous donations from community organizations, including Delta Bank, E & I Solutions, and United Mississippi Bank, have greatly contributed to the medical treatment and support of the rescued dogs.
Sheriff David Hedrick praised the efforts of his investigators and community partners, emphasizing the commitment of the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office to aggressively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases. Maurice Sheppard, 44, of Clayton, LA, was arrested and charged with forty-three counts of animal cruelty.
To report animal cruelty or neglect, individuals can file a report through the Humane Society of Louisiana’s website or directly contact the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-336-5231.
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