Target: Bridget A. Dinvaut, District Attorney of the 40th Judicial District, St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana
Goal: Secure the maximum lawful sentence, a lifetime ban on owning or controlling animals, mandatory counseling, restitution, and strict monitoring in the case of four dogs reportedly severely malnourished in a shared kennel.
Deputies reportedly discovered four dogs confined together in a single kennel and “severely malnourished.” The animals were transferred to parish animal control for care, and one person was arrested on four counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. These allegations describe prolonged neglect that can inflict organ damage, extreme pain, and lasting trauma.
Reports further indicate the dogs were pit bull mixes and had apparently been deprived of adequate nutrition and care for an extended period. Veterinary staff purportedly concluded the condition rose to the level of neglect that amounted to abuse. Such alleged conduct does not reflect a brief lapse. It suggests sustained disregard for basic welfare.
A firm response is needed to deter similar cases and protect vulnerable animals. Prosecutors can seek maximum penalties, permanent prohibition on owning or controlling animals, court-ordered counseling and evaluation, strict probation terms with unannounced checks, and restitution to cover medical and shelter costs. This petition urges the district attorney to vigorously pursue the strongest lawful outcome if the allegations are proven and to seek conditions that prevent future harm.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear District Attorney Bridget A. Dinvaut,
We respectfully urge your office to pursue the strongest lawful outcome in the case where four dogs were reportedly confined in a single kennel and severely malnourished. Veterinary assessment allegedly described conditions consistent with neglect rising to abuse. These facts, if proven, point to sustained suffering rather than an isolated mistake.
Please seek the maximum sentence available under Louisiana law, along with a lifetime prohibition on owning or controlling animals. We also ask that you request mandatory counseling and evaluation, strict probation with unannounced compliance checks, and full restitution to cover the costs borne by animal control, veterinarians, and foster caretakers. Such measures help protect the community and prevent recidivism.
A clear, decisive result will signal that prolonged neglect and cruelty will not be tolerated. If the allegations are proven, we ask that your sentencing advocacy reflect the serious harm described in reports and that you secure safeguards to keep animals safe in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Irina Zhur
