BUNKIE, The Humane Society of Louisiana, with the assistance from the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. Landry Animal Control Department, and a local veterinary clinic,removed 15 cats and 15 dogs from a Bunkie residence last Tuesday, February 19. The animals were living in deplorable conditions, many of them living in rusty cages or kennels that were covered and never cleaned, according to Jeff Dorson, Director for the Humane Society of Louisiana. The owners, Maxine and Gordon Doughtery, both of Bunkie, were charged with 30 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. They were also charged with cruelty in 2016 when 38 animals were removed from their home, and more recently in January of this year when they were given a citation for animal neglect.
The Humane Society of Louisiana accepted custody of all the recovered animals. As soon as the story appeared in local newspapers and on TV, HSLA staff were contacted by neighbors of the Doughtery’s reporting that their pets had gone missing and inquiring if their pets had been recovered from the couple’s home. To help facilitate the reunion of any owner with their missing or lost dog, the Humane Society is posting photos of the recovered dogs on their social media sites (Humane Society of Louisiana on Facebook) and sharing all photos with news outlets.
There are five dogs remaining in custody. Those claiming ownership must provide proof of ownership by presenting veterinary records, photos, or a bill of sale, stated Dorson. Those wishing to confirm ownership please contact the Humane Society at info@humanela.org or by calling 901-268-4432. Those wishing to adopt one of the five dogs may fill out an application atwww.humanela.org. The adoption fee is $150. The dogs must be treated for heartworm disease before being released. Those wishing to donate for the care of these dogs can make a contribution online through the Humane Society’s website at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/humanela. In the open field, please write, “for care of Bunkie dogs.” Donations can also be made through the group’s Facebook page or send a check or money order made out to the Humane Society of Louisiana and send to P.O. Box 740321, New Orleans, LA 70174. All donations are tax deductible.
