By LEONARD GRAY Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – St. John Parish authorities arrested one man for the maiming of a horse and death by shooting of a pet goat at the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center in LaPlace.

Capt. Michael Tregre reported the Jan. 16 arrest of Roy Hebert, 19, of 908 Michael Court in LaPlace, who is now charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

The penalty for the crime is a minimum $5,000 fine and a year in prison, according to Louisiana law.

The shooting had been discovered on Jan. 12 when “Showtime,” one of the more popular and gentle horses at the center, stood painfully near a fence, unwilling to come to come to a 4 p.m. feeding.

Executive Director Anita Hartzell found the horse had been shot in the side. Also, a pet goat, “Mardi Gras,” was wounded and succumbed to his wounds.

The deeply-lodged bullet is still in the wounded horse, which will be stitched back up and cared for. The goat, wounded when discovered “didn’t make it through the night,” Hartzell said.

Investigation determined the identity of two teen-aged squirrel hunters who weren’t having luck bagging squirrels and decided to take pot-shots after tamer game.

“They got bored and turned on my animals,” Hartzell said tearfully. “Pretty twisted, huh?”

The Center provides horses which assist disabled children by giving them exercise and companionship. The children form close bonds to the horses, as many of the students cannot walk on their own, but once placed onto a horse, can guide it around.

Other animals there also provide delight for the children, including goats, dogs, cats and a donkey.

In November 2000, another horse was shot at the center and in December 2001, a dog was killed by gunshots at the center, located off McReine Road at the wooded edge of town.

Hartzell received an anonymous tip which led to Hebert’s arrest and recovery of the .22-caliber rifle allegedly used.

Hartzell hopes the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office can enforce the parish ordinance banning the use of firearms within 300 yards of any residence. “I just want the law to be enforced,” Hartzell said.