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Louisiana dogfighting investigation leads to rescue of more than 40 dogs; man arrested
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CONCORDIA PARISH, La. (KTVE/KARD) -- According to the Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office, in early January, the CPSO received a report of dogs at large and suspected dog fighting on a 28-acre lot in Clayton, La., authorities said.
Maurice Sheppard, 44, was arrested and charged with 43 counts of animal cruelty.
According to CPSO, investigators obtained a search warrant to fly a drone over the property to gather additional information. The drone footage was sent to the Humane Society of Louisiana and the USDA Office of Inspector General, which specializes in investigating dogfighting.
CPSO’s Criminal Investigator, Cpt. Phillip Smith and an Investigator from Dixon Correctional Institute Pen Pals-Emergency Animal Rescue said that all the dogs on the property were being abused and had been abandoned.
According to CPSO, during the investigation, the dogs were found in poor living conditions, were malnourished, and many dogs exhibited signs of injury. Medical testing determined that all of the dogs were infected with staph.
“I am proud of our CID’s dedication to investigating these cases thoroughly and rescuing these dogs from such cruel situations. We are grateful for the assistance of every agency who assisted in this case and for our community partners that donated money toward the medical treatment of these animals. We are committed to aggressively pursuing and prosecuting anyone who engages in the abuse of animals.”
Sheriff David Hedrick
To report cruelty or neglect of an animal please file a report on Humane Society of Louisiana’s website or contact Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office @ 318-336-5231.