NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Two Destrehan residents have been arrested following an animal cruelty investigation that led authorities to rescue several injured and emaciated dogs from a home in St. Charles Parish.
The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office says that deputies and animal control agents responded to a call about animal cruelty at a home on Murray Hill Drive. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with Doug Russell, 49, and Melissa LeBlanc, 48.
Investigators learned that Russell allegedly used a machete to “discipline” a dog that was attacking another dog at the home the previous night.
Authorities say Russell failed to provide medical assistance to the injured animals after the incident.
Deputies reportedly located a machete, believed to have been used in the attack, in the front yard of the property.
When deputies and animal control officers entered the residence, they were reportedly met with deplorable conditions and discovered multiple malnourished and injured dogs throughout the house.
All of the animals were removed from the home and taken to the parish animal shelter for medical evaluation and treatment.
Russell was booked on seven counts of simple animal cruelty, two counts of aggravated animal cruelty and seven counts of failure to provide rabies vaccinations.
LeBlanc was similarly booked on seven counts of simple animal cruelty and seven counts of failure to provide rabies vaccinations.
Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 783-6807 or submit an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.
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