Humane Society praises Patterson authorities in animal cruelty case

The Humane Society of Louisiana is praising the Patterson Police Department, the Patterson Animal Control Department and the efforts of a local rescue group for rescuing two neglected pit bull terriers and more than a dozen chickens.
After receiving a tip of suspected animal neglect, Rob Darce, a humane investigator for the Humane Society of Louisiana, forwarded the information to the Patterson Police Department. On Jan. 26, Darce and a team, including Patterson police officers, the town animal control warden, and Nadia Breaux, a volunteer with Deep South Dog Rescue and Advocacy, visited the residence and evaluated the health of the animals.
They observed two American pit bull terriers housed in small kennels that had standing water and dilapidated plastic carriers for shelter. They also noticed more than a dozen chickens also housed in squalid conditions. The dogs appeared in poor shape and underweight, the Human Society said.
The team returned a few days later and removed all the animals and charged Ashley Rawlins of Patterson with two counts of cruelty to animals. The animals are currently being housed at the St. Mary Parish Animal Shelter, but they're hoping that a rescue group will accept custody of them. Rawlins was later released on a $2,000 bond.
"We think that this is a great example of teamwork," Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson said. "We have humane organizations, rescue groups, police, and animal control personnel all working side-by-side to rescue mistreated animals and work to bring a suspected animal abuser to justice.
“Everyone did their part on this case, and we're grateful for the leadership provided by the Patterson Chief of Police Garret Grogan, who took a personal interest in this case and the welfare of these animals.
"I'm also glad that we were able to rescue and comfort these two dogs," Darce said. "We fed them, and they ate like they had missed several meals. They were extremely hungry."