United Animal Nations (UAN) issued the following letter to the State of Louisiana Attorney General in response to the discovery that more than a dozen dogs who had been left by their owners at two schools in St. Bernanrd Parish were shot and killed.
October 4, 2005
Charles Foti, Jr.
Attorney General
State of Louisiana
1885 North 3rd St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Dear Mr. Foti:
On behalf of United Animal Nations (UAN), I want to thank you for investigating the cruel slaying of more than a dozen dogs at two schools in St. Bernard Parish that was so graphically displayed by CNN and reported also by the Associated Press. UAN has received dozens of calls and emails from concerned supporters who are glad to know that your office is looking into the matter.
Founded in 1987, UAN is recognized as North America’s leading provider of emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services and a key advocate for the critical needs of animals. Our Emergency Animal Rescue Service has been deployed in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas throughout the past six weeks, with nearly 250 volunteers assisting with animal rescue, recovery and relief efforts associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
With all the effort being expended by UAN and so many other humane organizations, animal control departments and rescue groups to save animals from peril, it would be utterly incongruous to overlook this case of horrific animal cruelty perpetrated against the very families and animals we have been trying to assist.
From the news reports we have reviewed, the dogs found shot at the two schools were owned by evacuees who had been forced to leave their animals behind when officials took them to safety. Then last Thursday a rescuer responding to a specific request from an evacuee who had left her dog behind entered the Beauregard Middle School to find the dogs, who had all been shot to death, including some who had been bound with mini-blind cords. Shell casings found at the scene are purportedly similar to those used by local law enforcement, raising shocking concerns that officials charged with upholding and defending Louisiana’s animal cruelty laws might somehow be involved with this tragedy. Apparently the scene at Sebastian Roy elementary school was equally grim.
We are heartened that you are pursuing the truth about this egregious situation, which has compounded the grief of so many already traumatized disaster victims. Please keep us apprised as the case progresses so that we can assure our supporters that their concerns are being addressed and that justice for these animals is being sought. Whoever took part in this horrific crime deserves appropriate punishment.
Warmly,
Jennifer Fearing
President & CEO
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