Social media post leads to Hessmer Animal Cruelty Case

A Hessmer man was arrested Sept. 13 in connection with an animal cruelty investigation that began two months earlier after photographs posted on social media raised concerns about several puppies and adult dogs.

Desmond Pierre was taken into custody after Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies identified him during a traffic stop, according to information released by the Humane Society of Louisiana.

Pierre was booked on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals, illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal carrying of firearms in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of Schedule I drugs and possession of Schedule II drugs.

The animal cruelty investigation began July 13 after photographs posted to Facebook appeared to show deceased and severely neglected puppies being kept in kennels at a Hessmer residence.

Concerned residents contacted local animal rescuer and boarding facility owner Malaine Glover, who notified the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office and requested a welfare check.

Deputies responded to the residence July 14. According to the Humane Society, Deputy Mattox spoke with a family member and observed one surviving puppy and two adult dogs that appeared to need veterinary attention.

The family member told investigators the dogs belonged to Pierre, who was no longer staying at the residence, according to the Humane Society. The three remaining dogs were surrendered, and Glover arranged for them to be transported to a local veterinary clinic for evaluation and treatment.

The Humane Society said investigators were told that approximately 19 or 20 other puppies had died. The organization alleges the animals had been left without adequate food, medical care or other resources. Those allegations have not been adjudicated in court.

Stephanie Turner, who was associated with the residence, was later issued a summons for three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and two counts of simple cruelty to animals, according to the Humane Society.

Pierre had not been located in connection with the case until the Sept. 13 traffic stop.

Jeff Dorson, director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, thanked the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Mattox, the arresting officer, Veterinary Clinic of Avoyelles and Glover for their work in the investigation.

“We are very grateful for the solid work provided by the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Department, in particular Deputy Mattox, the arresting officer, and Malaine Glover, whom we’ve worked with in the past on multiple other cases and complaints,” Dorson said.

Dorson also said the case highlights what the organization sees as a need for an animal shelter in Avoyelles Parish where abused or stray animals could be housed and treated and residents could surrender or adopt pets.

The Humane Society of Louisiana said it typically spends more than $10,000 annually on boarding, food and veterinary care for animals from Avoyelles Parish.

The organization encouraged residents to report suspected animal cruelty, noting that the surviving puppy, Mercy, was rescued after community members raised concerns about the photographs.

Charges are allegations, and those accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.