Authorities call conditions ‘deplorable,’ not releasing updates on dogs

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives initiated the animal cruelty investigation in May after receiving information numerous dogs were housed in “deplorable conditions” in a residence in the 500 block of Greenwood Drive in LaPlace, authorities said.

Detectives, along with St. John the Baptist Parish Animal Control officers, executed a search warrant at the residence in June.

“Investigators found two dogs in a medium-size airline crate with no food or water and an underweight dog whose ribs were obviously visible,” Tregre said in a release. “The remaining dogs were found in the garage in various-size crates with no water, no air circulation and feces on the walls and floor.”

Sgt. Dane Clement said Animal Control removed seven dogs from the residence for a veterinarian examination. Based on the investigation, Tregre said detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Magdeline Norwood, 43, of 561 Greenwood Drive. She was arrested Tuesday and booked with six counts of cruelty to animals.

“We work hand in hand with Animal Control,” Tregre said of the Sheriff’s Office. “We take animal abuse very seriously.”

As of press time Friday, Norwood remained in custody in lieu of a $30,000 bond set by Judge Sterling Snowdy.

When questioned about the condition and location of the animals, St. John the Baptist Parish Animal Shelter Manager Racheal Sance deferred comment to parish Communications Director Paige Falgoust.

“The case in question involves an arrest by the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office and is currently under investigation,” Falgoust said. “Based upon the advice of legal counsel, no comment can be provided at this time.”

Clement said the Sheriff’s Office would not release any details on the condition of the animals.