Humane Society of LA sees an increase in animal abuse

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Animal abuse is on the rise in north Louisiana, says the Humane Society of Louisiana.

The Humane Society said dogs and cats are being shot with guns, and even bows and arrows, and it’s a lot more common than you think. The Humane Society said it keeps happening because no one’s held accountable.

Executive Director of The Humane Society of Louisiana, Jeff Dorson, said they get calls of animals being shot and shot and shot quite often in this area.

“There’s a high level of crime against animals in north Louisiana because there are very few shelters, animal control departments, and there’s a huge gap in the infrastructure in helping stray and unwanted animals,” said Dorson.

Monroe veterinarian, Dr. John McClendon, said the depth of the cruelty is shocking.

“It’s very unfortunate we have gunshot wounds. We’ve had arrow wounds before like they’ve been shot with an arrow. It’s very… it’s horrible,” said McClendon.

McClendon said as ridiculous as it sounds, people need to be educated.

“If you have a problem with your neighbor’s cat, neighbor’s dog, go talk to them and figure out a solution. I mean, just don’t shoot them,” said McClendon.

Dorson said animal cruelty is a crime but law enforcement doesn’t take it seriously, and that’s a big part of the problem.

“People aren’t experiencing any consequence to this behavior. There are very few arrests and very fewer prosecutions,” said Dorson.

He said people associate cats especially, with nuisance animals.

“We want to change that. That’s why we started this campaign, stop cruelty to cats, bring awareness, offer rewards, make sure these claims are taken seriously,” said Dorson.

They’ve also started a task force with former law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate animal abuse cases.

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office said they investigate animal cruelty complaints to the fullest extent of the law. The Human Society of Louisiana said if this happens to your pet, file a police report, and call the Human Society’s hotline to report abuse at 888-648-6263.

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