A disturbing case of alleged animal neglect at a home has led to the arrest of a Natchitoches man on cruelty to animal charges, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

 

NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies responded to a complaint of alleged animal neglect on Aug. 23 around 7:15 pm in the 100 block of Pecan Court in Cedar Grove Sub-division, near Natchitoches.

 

The complaint focused on a couple of dogs being malnourished at the residence and reportedly “horrifying” to look at.

 

Deputies arrived on scene.

 

There they observed two malnourished pit bulldogs chained to a fence with their ribs and spine areas showing with no food or water supply.

 

The dogs appeared weak, one with flesh scabs, appearing to not have eaten in several days and living in what investigating deputies reported as deplorable conditions. Deputies assigned to the NPSO Animal Services Unit were summoned to the scene.

 

Both dogs were seized by animal services for evaluation.

 

Deputies attempted to make contact with the homeowner although no one was at home at time. Deputies continued the investigation throughout the evening.

 

As the investigation progressed, deputies were able to identify the owner of the dogs as Alvin Metoyer. Deputies obtained a phone number, made contact with Metoyer and requested that he meet them at his residence.

 

At approximately 8:45pm, Metoyer returned to his residence.

 

While speaking with Metoyer, deputies confirmed he owned the dogs. Metoyer stated the dogs were not eating because they had been sick.”

 

Deputies photographed and gathered evidence at the scene.

 

Deputies obtained sufficient evidence and probable cause to make an arrest in the investigation.

 

As a result:

Alvin J. Metoyer, 47, of the 100 block of Pecan Court Drive, Natchitoches was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 2-Counts of Cruelty to Animals.

 

Metoyer remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center with bond set by a 10th Judicial District Judge at $20,000.

 

Involved in the investigation and arrest were: Cpl. D. Halliburton and Lt. D. Harper.

 

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

 

Sheriff Stuart Wright and the deputies of the NPSO thank the public for several recent suspicious activity calls. Those calls have led to the arrest of narcotics offenders, wanted persons, recovery of stolen property and other criminal arrests. If you observe suspicious activity in your community, contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-352-6432 or 357-7851. Always attempt to provide descriptions of the vehicle, persons and location of the activity.

 

**All Persons are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in Court or Administrative Process**

 

Warning: Some images may be disturbing.