St. Landry Parish Animal Control and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff deputies executed a search warrant Thursday afternoon at a home between Opelousas and Grand Coteau after receiving a tip that the homeowner was in violation of the parish’s cruelty ordinance.
Upon entering the home, sheriff deputies found over 175 small breed dogs living in untenable living conditions throughout the home. The homeowner was breeding the animals to sell online.
“We take cruelty to animals very seriously in St. Landry Parish,” said Jessie Bellard, parish president. “Pets are an extension of our families and the safety and care for animals in our community has been a top priority for me since I first began working with the parish in 2004.”
St. Landry Parish Animal Control is transporting many of the animals to a safe location where a local veterinarian will begin checking the medical condition of the dogs.
The Sheriff Office has opened an investigation.