St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Deputies and St. Landry Parish Animal Control found more than 175 dogs in a home after receiving a tip that the homeowner was allegedly in violation of the parish's cruelty ordinance.
Upon entering the home, located between Opelousas and Grand Coteau, parish officials say deputies found more than 175 small breed dogs living in "untenable living conditions" throughout the home. The dogs were "in kennels stacked up in the home," a spokesperson said. Officials believe the homeowner was breeding the animals to sell online.
"We take cruelty to animals very seriously in St. Landry Parish," said Jessie Bellard, parish president. "Pets are an extension of our families and the safety and care for animals in our community has been a top priority for me since I first began working with the parish in 2004."
St. Landry Parish Animal Control is transporting many of the animals to a safe location where a local veterinarian will begin checking the medical condition of the dogs.
Parish officials say the sheriff's office has opened an investigation.
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