Humane Society of Louisiana offers reward for arrest in case after deliberate maiming

By KERI CHAMPION

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – The Humane Society of Louisiana is looking for information leading to the arrest of an elderly Reserve man accused of deliberately maiming or mutilating an animal. This is considered a felony and carries up to 10 years in jail, or a $25,000 fine, or both, said Jeff Dorson, president of the Humane Society of Louisiana.

&#8220The dog, a female by the name of Toby, was caught in a rusty metal leghold trap and several toes on one of her front paws had been crushed. Several children had heard the dog’s cries and when they got closer to the scene, the man told them he was punishing the dog for being on his property. The man also admitted to wanting to harm the animal and to setting out traps to ensnare the dog,” Dorson said.

&#8220While trapping is legal in Louisiana it is not legal to trap strays or out of season animals,” said Dorson, &#8220Alleged Intentional Cruelty to Animals is taken very seriously, and the Humane Society is offering a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the elderly man.”

Toby was originally picked up by the St. John Animal Shelter, but released to the Humane Society where she could have surgery on her paw.

&#8220I think it is wonderful that Jeff Dorson and the society stepped in to pay for vet expenses,’ said Linda Allen, director of the St. John Parish Animal Shelter. &#8220

&#8220We know who owns the property where the dog was found, but no arrests have been made in the case; We have had confrontations with the man before,” said Allen.

Toby, the dog who was caught in the trap, had to have surgery and had three of her toes amputated. &#8220I am glad that the St. John shelter contacted us to help in this manner because many public shelters do not have a budget large enough to treat injured animals,” Dorson said.

The Humane Society paid for the surgery and aftercare of the dog and she is recovering nicely. Toby is currently in a foster home but is looking for a permanent, loving home said Dorson.

&#8220Toby is a very docile dog, she is great with children and other animals,” Dorson stated.

The Humane Society, based in New Orleans, is asking for donations to help with the cost of the surgery, which was several thousand dollars.

Anyone who wishes to donate, should call 901-268-4432. To donate by mail send to: Humane Society of Louisiana, P.O. Box 740321, New Orleans, LA 70174