PRESS RELEASE

Louisiana SPCA Assists State Police in
Ascension Parish Illegal Dog Fighting Arrest

New Orleans, LA (3/13/08) – Louisiana SPCA, at the request of the Louisiana State Police, assisted with an illegal dog fighting arrest in Ascension Parish yesterday. A total of 29 pit bulls, 15 dogs and 14 puppies, were impounded in the arrest. Jarmine Renard Gibson, 1407 McKinley Street, Donaldsonville, La. was arrested in the incident and charged with dog fighting, aggravated cruelty and resisting arrest.

Louisiana SPCA humane officers were aided by Ascension Parish Animal Control’s Field Supervisor, Devin Miller, and Shelter Manager Michael LeBlanc. Kathryn Destreza, LA/SPCA’s Director of Humane Law Enforcement reported that the pit bulls were living in horrible conditions, in a yard strewn with trash and debris. “Some had no water, and those with water had water that was so dirty it was green.” Destreza said the area was also covered with fecal matter, and the officers were met with an overwhelming smell upon arriving on the scene due to the fecal matter and filthy conditions of the scene.

Varying degrees of scarring were found on the adult dogs, and most were skinny, including the puppies. Some of the dogs, both adults and puppies, were also found with skin disorders. Most of the pit bulls were kept in small wooden cages with barrels, leaving almost no room for movement. The cages were also full of urine and feces, with no clean areas for them to stand or lie in. Destreza said it was heartbreaking to see the animals existing in such horrible, filthy conditions.

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The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an organization devoted to improving the lives of animals and eliminating the homelessness, neglect and abuse that signal animal suffering. Chartered in 1888, our history has been paved with an understanding that only through an improved human-animal ethic can we better the lives of companion animals and that of our community. Our programs and services are infused with the highest standards of care and compassion.

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