Rayne Man Accused of Poisoning Crawfish Ponds

Posted: Apr 30, 2010 10:22 AM by Letitia Walker

RAYNE, La. (AP) - A 40-year-old Rayne man has been arrested

after several animals were found poisoned near local crawfish

ponds.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sgt. Chris

Carpenter tells The Advertiser that Richard L. Doucet was charged

Wednesday with five counts of cruelty to animals. He was booked

into the Lafayette Parish Jail and later released on bond.

Carpenter said the investigation began when several residents

near the Lafayette-Acadia parish line reported missing dogs and

cats.

Wildlife agents found poisoned hot dogs and peanut butter on

Doucet's property.

Carpenter said the poison also killed numerous raccoons, dogs,

cats, coyotes and possums.

It was not immediately known whether Doucet has an attorney.