Over 180 animals neglected, some dead
Saint Mary, LA (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Feb 18, 2010
County: Saint Mary
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available
Alleged: Freddie Sellers, Sr.
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
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.
Case UpdatesCharges were filed against a St. Mary Parish man this week, ending an investigation into an animal neglect case that began more than a month ago.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested and charged Freddie Sellers Sr., 68, of Berwick, Monday with one count of cruelty to animals and one count of failing to properly dispose of decomposing animals.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff David Naquin said his office was waiting until the investigation was completed to charge Sellers. He said Sellers was compliant throughout the investigation and turned himself in to the Sheriff’s Office on Monday [March 29, 2010] afternoon.
On Feb. 18, deputies arrived at Seller’s residence after receiving a complaint of animal neglect. Authorities reported finding 12 decaying livestock carcasses among 180 head of cattle, horses, mules and goats on the rural St. Mary Parish property.
Other agencies, including the Humane Society of the United States, the state Department of Agricul-ture and the St. Mary Parish Health Department, contributed to the neglect investigation.
Naquin said the remaining animals on Sellers property are in “pretty good shape.”
“Reports from the veterinarian that examined the livestock herd indicated that Mr. Sellers was meeting the minimum standards of care for his existing herd,” he said.
Naquin said Sellers was harboring unwanted livestock that would have otherwise been euthanized. Witnesses told investigators Sellers “would purchase animals from auctions that no one else would purchase and bring them to his property to finish out their days,” Naquin said.
Sellers was released on a summons to appear in court May 5. | Source: The Daily Iberian - March 30, 2010
Update posted on Mar 31, 2010 - 2:47AM |
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