Two Destrehan residents, Doug Russell, 49, and Melissa LeBlanc, 48, were arrested after an animal cruelty investigation in St. Charles Parish led to the rescue of several injured and malnourished dogs. The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint of animal cruelty at a home on Murray Hill Drive. Upon arriving, deputies spoke to Russell and LeBlanc, who allegedly failed to provide medical care for several dogs suffering from injuries.
Investigators learned that Russell had used a machete to discipline one dog that was attacking another the previous evening. The machete was reportedly found in the front yard of the property. According to authorities, Russell did not seek medical attention for the injured animals after the incident, allowing their conditions to worsen.
Upon further inspection, deputies and animal control officers discovered the home was in deplorable conditions, with multiple malnourished and injured dogs throughout the house. The animals were immediately removed from the residence and taken to the St. Charles Parish animal shelter for medical treatment and evaluation.
Russell faces seven counts of simple animal cruelty, two counts of aggravated animal cruelty, and seven counts of failure to provide rabies vaccinations for the dogs. LeBlanc was similarly charged with seven counts of simple animal cruelty and seven counts of failure to provide rabies vaccinations. The authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the case to contact the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 783-6807 or submit an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.
The case highlights the importance of proper care for pets, and the authorities are committed to holding those responsible for animal cruelty accountable.
