An Abita Springs-area man was arrested on animal cruelty charges after St. Tammany Sheriff’s deputies observed a malnourished dog and her puppies at a residence on McIntyre Road.
Deputies were responding to a “keep the peace” call last Thursday at a residence in the 74000 block of McIntyre Road near Abita Springs in reference to a property dispute among family members, when they observed a female pit bull and her two puppies. The dogs were malnourished and emaciated. There was no water nor food provided for the dogs, and the heat index at the time exceeded 108 degrees.
The owner of the dogs, William McIntyre (DOB 3/8/1978), admitted to having not sought veterinary care for the mother in over a year and never for the puppies. He was charged with one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and two counts of Simple Cruelty to Animals.
He was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail and was released on a $7,500 bond. St. Tammany Parish Animal Control took possession of the mother dog and the two puppies.
Sheriff Smith would like to remind everyone that as temperatures continue to remain high in South Louisiana to make sure that you provide adequate water and shade for your pets.
