Residents Claim Animal Control Didn't Properly Handle Animal Neglect Complaint
By: Alexis Wiley
Updated: July 12, 2007
When Shreveport firefighters put out a blaze on East Lister Street Tuesday night, they discovered something very disturbing. The call went out about 9:00 p.m. in the 200 block. Responding firefighters say once they had the flames out, they found several animal cages and decomposing cats. According to their official report, no cats died because of the fire. Neighbors, however, aren't so sure.
They say they knew for months that animals were abandoned inside the house, yet, their complaints to Caddo Parish Animal Control went unanswered. Lauren Anderson and Amy Bussey, both East Lister Street residents, say they complained to Caddo Animal Control regarding the animals and the stench coming from the home. " They went to the door and knocked, then left," Anderson said, " the home is abandoned." According to Caddo Animal Control, they received one complaint in April and did investigate. According to their officer's report, there were no animals inside the home. Yet, according to the homeowner's statement last night, there were animals inside the home in cages, however, they were allegedly released just before the blaze.
Regardless of when they were released, residents say this pattern of neglect could have been stopped months ago. Caddo Animal Control officials say they did not go inside the house because they did not have a warrant nor could they reach the owner of the house. No word on whether the home's owner will face animal cruelty charges.
They say they knew for months that animals were abandoned inside the house, yet, their complaints to Caddo Parish Animal Control went unanswered. Lauren Anderson and Amy Bussey, both East Lister Street residents, say they complained to Caddo Animal Control regarding the animals and the stench coming from the home. " They went to the door and knocked, then left," Anderson said, " the home is abandoned." According to Caddo Animal Control, they received one complaint in April and did investigate. According to their officer's report, there were no animals inside the home. Yet, according to the homeowner's statement last night, there were animals inside the home in cages, however, they were allegedly released just before the blaze.
Regardless of when they were released, residents say this pattern of neglect could have been stopped months ago. Caddo Animal Control officials say they did not go inside the house because they did not have a warrant nor could they reach the owner of the house. No word on whether the home's owner will face animal cruelty charges.
