The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is investigating the killing and mutilation of several animals on South Coburn Road, east of Hammond, sheriff's spokesman Chuck Reed said.
The animals killed include three cats, a dog and a horse and the mutilation of another two horses and a dog, Reed said. The killings were first reported on Aug. 24.
Residents found the pets around the house while the horses were still in the barn, he said.
The animals had their throats cut with a blade, possibly a large knife, Reed said. Officers found no ritualistic evidence associated with the assaults.
The killings are being investigated as aggravated cruelty to animals, which includes the killing or maiming of animals intentionally, he said. Louisiana law provides for penalties including fines of from $5,000 to $25,000 and/or incarceration with or without hard labor from one to 10 years for each incident.
"These are serious crimes. I am personally staying abreast of this case," Sheriff Daniel Edwards said. "As a mostly rural parish, we take mistreatment of animals seriously. The intentional maiming and killing of animals are very serious felony offenses."
The TPSO is reportedly investigating any person knowing or having any past associations with the owners of the animals.
Crimestoppers is also offering a $200 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the responsible party, Reed said. Anyone with information about the case should call (800) 554-5245. If you have information on this case, please contact:
(800) 554-5245
Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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