Many people only see the happy side of life with pets, the dogs joyfully trotting beside their owners on daily walks through the city.
But behind that picture, the reality for some animals is very different. Residents of Natchitoches, Louisiana, learned that firsthand when they came across two dogs living nearby.
The scene was so disturbing that they had no choice but to alert the authorities.
A Shocking Discovery
According to their Facebook post from the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana, deputies were notified about two severely neglected dogs just days before the statement was released.
“On Friday afternoon, August 23, 2024, at approximately 7:15pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau responded to a complaint of alleged animal neglect in the 100 block of Pecan Court in Cedar Grove Sub-division, near Natchitoches, La.” they wrote.
The complaint described the animals as so malnourished that they were “horrifying” to look at.
Deputies rushed to the property, but even with the warning, what they saw was worse than expected.
At the scene, they discovered two pit bulls “chained to a fence with their ribs and spine areas showing with no food or water supply.”
“The dogs appeared weak, one with flesh scabs, appearing to not have eaten in several days and living in what investigating deputies reported as deplorable conditions,” they also stated.
Animal Services was called immediately. The NPSO Animal Services Unit quickly arrived and transported the dogs for care and evaluation.
Owner Held Responsible
Once the dogs were safe, deputies turned to finding out who was responsible. The house was empty when they arrived, but the investigation continued into the evening.
By 8:45 p.m., the owner, Alvin Metoyer, returned to the property. Deputies questioned him, and he claimed the dogs hadn’t eaten because they were sick.
Despite his explanation, investigators gathered enough evidence to make an arrest.
“Alvin J. Metoyer, 47, of the 100 block of Pecan Court Drive, Natchitoches was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 2-Counts of Cruelty to Animals.” they wrote in the post, adding: “Metoyer remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center with bond set by a 10th Judicial District Judge at $20,000.00.”
With Metoyer in custody and the dogs in safe hands, authorities made it clear that animal cruelty will not be overlooked.
Justice is on the way, and the case stands as a strong warning to anyone who might think about mistreating their pets.
Louisiana has no tolerance for cruelty.