Animal Cruelty and Neglect

Violence has become an everyday occurrence in society, even if one hasn’t been touched by it directly. We are confronted with violent images on the news, movies, and even music videos. Violence affects us everyday.

Over the last two decades, studies have shown a definite link between violent criminals and animal abuse. As youngsters, most serial killers started out being cruel to animals.

Anthropologist Margaret Mead (1964) said, “One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child is to kill or torture an animal and get away with it.”

In New Orleans, the Louisiana SPCA has been leading the fight against cruelty and neglect of animals. Each year, the LA/SPCA investigates and prosecutes more and more cases ranging from simple neglect (i.e., no shelter from the elements, failure to adhere to minimum standards of care) to serious cases of mutilation, animal starvation, animal beatings, and dog fighting.

We also provide the animal control services for the City of New Orleans. Most municipalities operate their own animal control, but in New Orleans, the City contracts with the LA/SPCA to perform this function. We are responsible for all stray animal calls, all animal emergencies, all animal rescues (including ducks and other various exotics), cruelty investigations and code enforcement.

In February 2006 a new position was added to the organizational structure of the Louisiana SPCA, Director of Humane Law Enforcement. This new position allows maximum focus on tackling the many facets of animal cruelty and addressing them on a statewide level head on. This position is held by Chief Animal Control Officer Kathryn Destreza.

The public is the biggest ally in fighting animal cruelty and neglect. It is crucial that everyone gets involved and stays involved. If you witness animal cruelty, or think that you have, in Orleans Parish, call the LA/SPCA at (504) 368-5191, as well as the police department or fill out the online Request For Investigation Report.

Animal cruelty is a felony in this state, and if we all work together we can help end it. All complaints originating outside Orleans Parish should be made to your local Animal Control Agency.

We have posted photos of some of the abused and neglected
animals we have handled. Please be advised, they are NOT
warn and fuzzy photos. They represent the devastation cruelty
and neglect can cause. Click on the picture to see the photos.