Humane Society Urges Action for Animal Welfare!

The Humane Society of Louisiana is commending the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office for its response to recent animal neglect complaints while also urging parish leaders to take further action on animal welfare.

In a letter to Sheriff David Dauzat, the organization praised deputies following the arrest of Chadwick Reed, 42, on animal cruelty charges.

Deputies first visited Reed’s residence on Highway 1188 in December and advised him to improve conditions for several dogs and horses. A follow up visit in January found those conditions had worsened, with broken shelters, no food or water, the carcass of one dog and two horses in severely malnourished condition.

Local rescuer Malaine Glover, who regularly assists deputies without compensation, helped assess the situation and remove the animals for care.

Three dogs were transported to a veterinary clinic, with the Humane Society covering treatment costs. The organization has provided similar assistance in numerous cases, spending close to $10,000 annually in Avoyelles Parish, which currently has no animal shelter.

Two horses were taken in by Freedom Reigns Ranch and Rescue for treatment and recovery.

On March 25, deputies arrested Reed, charging him with three counts of simple cruelty and one count of aggravated cruelty. His bond was set at $5,000.

The dogs were treated for malnutrition, infections, parasites and heartworm disease before being transferred to Pen Pals Inc., where they are recovering and expected to be adopted.

The Humane Society continues to push for expanded services, including the creation of a parish shelter. In recent recommendations to the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury, the group suggested hiring an animal compliance employee, implementing a pet licensing program, supporting local rescues, offering spay and neuter assistance and installing kennels at the parish detention center.

The organization has also designated April 15 as “Vote for the Animals Day,” encouraging residents to contact police jurors and express support for animal welfare improvements.

Founded in 1988, the Humane Society of Louisiana remains one of the state’s largest animal welfare organizations.