30 animals have been removed from a home in Bunkie after they were found living in deplorable conditions.
Volunteers with the Humane Societ of Louisiana, St. Landry Animal Control, and a nearby veterinary clinic removed the cats and dogs from a home on Hwy 3041 in Bunkie.
According to the Humane Society, all 30 animals were found living in “squalid and filthy conditions and were kept in rusty and overcrowded cages.” Staff during the search say that cages and litter boxes had never been cleaned so the animals were forced to live in their own waste, which was several inches high in some places.
Investigators say the animals did not have access to fresh food or water in their cages.
Trash, debris, toys, supplies, clothes, tools, and equipment were piled up to the ceiling in every room of the house and also littered the front, side, and back yard, according to Humane Society officials.
The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office was present during the removal of the animals and informed the Humane Society that this remains an open and on-going investigation. According to the sheriff’s office, this is the second time in less than three years that officials have removed dozens of animals from this residence. The owners were cited for one count of cruelty in 2016 and were placed in a diversion program.
In that case, 38 animals were removed.
The Humane Society says that if the couple is charged again, they will ask the DA to seek strict penalties, including fines, court costs, and restitution.
The 30 animals rescued from this hoarding situation will be treated before they can be made available for adoption. The Humane Society says they also plan to ask the parish code enforcement department, elderly protective services, and the fire marshal to inspect the residence and note any other deficiencies or violations.
“These animals had been neglected for a very long time. We hope that we will one day obtain an order from the courts that will prevent this couple from ever owning or harboring any animal in the future. They need to get out of the animal housing business,” says Jeff Dorson, HSL Director.
