The Humane Society of the United States sent this letter to Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti, Jr. today in response to the discovery of dogs found killed at two schools in St. Bernard Parish:
October 3, 2005
Attorney General Charles Foti, Jr.
1885 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Dear Attorney General Foti:
On behalf of The Humane Society of the United States (The HSUS) and its more than 70,000 members in Louisiana, I write to thank you for investigating who is responsible for killing more than a dozen dogs at two schools in St. Bernard Parish. Although The HSUS has been occupied for the past month with thousands of animals rescued from flooded areas of New Orleans -- as your office clearly has its own pressing priorities from the effect of hurricane Katrina -- I do not believe we can let this case of horrible animal cruelty escape our attention.
As reported by the Associate Press and CNN, 14 dogs originally came to the temporary shelter of Beauregard Middle School and Sebastien Roy elementary school with their owners who, despite protest, were forced to leave their pets behind when they were transferred from the school. As we understand, last Thursday the dogs were found dead, most likely shot to death. There was blood found on the walls and floors, indicating at least some dogs may not have died quickly. Several dogs reportedly had their heads covered and others were tied with mini-blind cords. Bullets found at the crime scene indicate that law enforcement was likely involved.
It is illegal in Louisiana to mistreat an animal whereby unnecessary physical suffering or death is caused. LA R.S. 14:102.1.A.(1)(i). Given this clear prohibition against killing animals in such a cruel manner as evidently occurred at the Beauregard Middle School and Sebastian Roy elementary school, we anticipate an aggressive investigation and prosecution of these allegations.
We are concerned about reports that an official with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries found the information that some dogs were found blind-folded evidence that the animals were shot by their owners. From what we know of the evidence from this case, we believe it is implausible that people who had the commitment to evacuate with their animals and write desperate messages on the walls for their rescue would all decide to kill their pets in such a barbaric manner.
It is simply appalling to believe that beloved animals, who with their devoted owners escaped the ravages of hurricane Katrina, would later become the victims of senseless, human violence while waiting for rescue. It is especially disturbing that St. Bernard deputies, who are charged with enforcing Louisiana's animal protection law, are suspected of being involved in this horrible crime.
We are grateful for your attention to this appalling act, and believe it does command your attention even in the midst of such a larger crisis. I look forward to hearing about its progress so that we can report back to our many concerned members.
Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President and CEO
