LEESVILLE, La. (AP) - Officials in a Louisiana parish have seized more than 30 animals from a farm after receiving reports of dead animals there.
Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Detective David Vance tells KPLC-TV that six horses and mules and two dogs were found dead when officials arrived.
Steven Jones and Holly Dowden of Leesville were arrested for aggravated cruelty to animals and are free on bail. It’s unclear if they have a lawyer.
Vance says animals weren’t getting enough food. He says horses and mules had eaten most grass down to the roots.
Of 16 dogs seized, Vance says the owners gave up rights to most, but are asking a shelter to hold five until charges are resolved.
Surviving horses and mules were sent to a group that will rehabilitate them and seek adoptions.
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