Ouachita Parish authorities speak on pet laws, animal cruelty

MONROE, La. ( KTVE/KARD ) — Following an arrest made in St. Landry Parish, officials cautioned the public to take local and statewide pet laws seriously.

Jasmine Mouton and Kendel Tyler, both 22, of Opelousas, were charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. Mouton was seen on security cameras throwing two puppies into a dumpster behind a local restaurant, and she was accompanied by Tyler.

Colonel Larry Knight at the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office says that animal cruelty can mean not feeding your pet or not providing them with proper shelter.

According to Knight, state charges can range from 6 months in jail to a $500 fine, all depending on how serious the charge is.

Recent statistics reveal that one animal is abused every 60 seconds globally.

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office works in conjunction with the Department of Animal Control, which protects the public safety of animals in Ouachita Parish.

Knight says that officials are able to contact the animal shelter in the event of a call being made regarding a stray or vicious animal.  These animals will be taken to the facility.

During the summer months, OPSO receives many calls about animals being left outside in hot weather, chained to a tree, or not having any water available.

Knight asks the public to take care of your animals, keeping them inside or in proper shelter, as we approach nearly 100-degree temperatures.

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