After law enforcement made the discovery of more than a dozen horses that all appeared to be emaciated on her property in Lockport, the Lafourche Humane Society President, Pamela George and fellow property owner John Gautreaux, have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne said the investigation began in early November.

"One of the horses was actually deceased and we teamed up with a local veterinarian to come out and inspect the horses, and as we expected, two of them had to be euthanized on the spot," said Matherne.

Matherne said as the investigation continued, authorities assisted the Human Society in trying to get the horses back to health and to find new homes.

"By about midway through the month, we had two more horses that had died, and another needed to be euthanized.  There were about nine horses remaining on the property," said Matherne.

Matherne said George is well known in the community for being an advocate for animals. He adds this is not a unique situation.

"We've seen situations like this arise before where people take in animals and it ultimately becomes too much for them.  It is our understanding that she made it told that she was out of town, but ultimately, this is her property," said Matherne.

George and Gautreaux, have been booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on a $2000 bond each.

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