Case Snapshot
Case ID: 19771
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Thursday, Aug 23, 2012

County: Acadia

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards, 50 a shelter employee at the Crowley Animal Shelter in Louisiana was arrested Thursday and charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty for "improperly and cruelly" disposing of animals. Authorities suspect Edwards is responsible for the disappearance of between 10 to 20 dogs removed from the shelter and their dead bodies later discovered.

Complaints from the animal shelter supervisor and the Mayor of Crowley about dead beheaded animals found in the back of the shelter initiated an immediate investigation by the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office.

Five dead dogs who were discovered behind the building located at 220 Jack Mitchell in Crowley are suspected of having been victims of dog fighting. The other three dogs were listed as having been taken into the shelter, but never listed as returned to owner or of having been released. The dogs were all micro-chipped at the shelter enabling authorities to trace back where the last place the dogs had lived.

Edwards was also charged with five counts of obstruction of justice and one count of malfeasance in office. (misconduct and corrupt practice)

"You somehow expect a person working at a shelter to love and respect animals and do the best they can to save their lives. If Edwards is guilty of these charges, which are totally disgusting, I do hope he goes to prison. I can't stand the thought of what these dogs had to endure because of his motives," stated Amy Conners, a college student and animal advocate at Palm Beach County College.

Edwards is currently in the Acadia Parish Jail.

According to katc.com however, this arrest may only be the tip of the iceberg. An anonymous tip states a long-time employee has killed 225 dogs over an extended period of time. In fact four more dogs were killed in the shelter Thursday night.

The shelter is trying to get all of the animals left either adopted or fostered as quickly as possible. If you can help, please contact the shelter at (337)-581-8510. If you can foster a pet, please call (337)-458-2069.

References


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