MONROE, LA. (KNOE 8 News) - Groups of cows remain safe inside this Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo enclosure, but the same can't be said for the three goats that used to live there.
"It happens on occasion," Zoo Director, Joe Clawson, said. "You do your best to protect the animals, but every once in a while, they'll find their way in."
A pack of stray dogs dug under the fence of the enclosure around 9 a.m. Sunday morning, killing two goats and injuring another, bringing a gruesome end to what had been a peaceful morning.
"We had already done a walkthrough and checked on the condition of the animals and they were OK," Clawson said. "We did not see the dogs."
Those three goats were on loan from a private owner and though the zoo says they're working with the owner and no charges are being pressed, the loss is still great.
"You feel like you failed the animal," said Clawson. "People work with them every day, they know these animals, the animals respond to them. It's a traumatic as anyone else losing a pet."
Since those goats were killed, the zoo said the fence has since been secured and the goats have been moved out of the enclosure and now they said they're working with Monroe Police for a larger effort for animal control.
Monroe Police told KNOE 8 News they are not trying to catch the dogs, but that they have been working on the position of animal welfare officer for nine months now.
In the meantime, zoo leaders are urging everyone to help solve the stray problem.
"Part of the issue here is responsible pet ownership," Clawson said. "Don't take animals unless you are certain of your ability to take care of them."
Monroe Police said the position of Animal Welfare Officer will be open for city employees for 10 days starting at some point next week. After that, the position will open for the public to apply.
Ouachita Parish Animal Control told KNOE 8 News that Monroe Police are in charge of this case but they stand ready to assist if they're called upon by the police.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:11 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:11:30 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - One person has died, following a collision between a train and a car in northern Ouachita Parish. Also, another person is injured after that wreck.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - One person has died, following a collision between a train and a car in northern Ouachita Parish. Also, another person is injured after that wreck.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:27:15 GMT
TALLULAH, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Board members at Madison Parish Hospital put the CEO on administrative leave earlier this month and they told us why on Tuesday.
TALLULAH, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Board members at Madison Parish Hospital put the CEO on administrative leave earlier this month and they told us why on Tuesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:45 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:45:59 GMT
SHREVEPORT, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Shreveport police have arrested a 32-year-old woman in the death of a toddler who was brought to the hospital on Monday.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Shreveport police have arrested a 32-year-old woman in the death of a toddler who was brought to the hospital on Monday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:36 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:36:16 GMT
WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) – Wednesday, Governor Bobby Jindal signed bills into law aimed at improving gun safety and protecting Second Amendment rights.
WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) – Wednesday, Governor Bobby Jindal signed bills into law aimed at improving gun safety and protecting Second Amendment rights.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:03 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:03:32 GMT
EUNICE, La. (AP) - The "sexting" case against former Eunice High School teacher Jackie Fruge, originally filed in Eunice Municipal Court, is likely to be upgraded to a felony and moved to the state district court.
EUNICE, La. (AP) - The "sexting" case against former Eunice High School teacher Jackie Fruge, originally filed in Eunice Municipal Court, is likely to be upgraded to a felony and moved to the state district court.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:14 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:14:55 GMT
NEW ORLEANS (KNOE 8 News/AP) - A 13-year-old boy from a New Orleans suburb has been arrested after authorities say he told them he used TV wrestling moves on his 5-year-old half-sister, who died from the beating.
NEW ORLEANS (KNOE 8 News/AP) - A 13-year-old boy from a New Orleans suburb has been arrested after authorities say he told them he used TV wrestling moves on his 5-year-old half-sister, who died from the beating.
