Thirteen dogs living in what police described as “appalling conditions” were rescued from a Haughton residence last week, in what officials are calling one of the worst animal cruelty cases the area has seen in recent memory.
On Friday, May 23, officers with the Haughton Police Department responded to a welfare concern at a home in the 400 block of Union Texas Road. Upon arrival, they immediately detected a strong, foul odor coming from the residence. Through the windows, officers observed several dogs confined in cages stacked atop one another.
After the resident refused entry, police obtained a search warrant and entered the home, where they discovered 13 dogs suffering in squalid and inhumane conditions.
Officers arrested the homeowner, Michele Massara, on 13 counts of animal cruelty. As of Tuesday, she remains in custody at the Bossier Maximum Facility on a $460,000 bond.
Due to overcrowding at Bossier Parish Animal Control, assistance was requested from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Jason Parker, Deputy David Dick, and members of Webster Parish Animal Control worked alongside Haughton officers to remove, shelter, and care for the dogs over the weekend.
“Chief Todd Gibson and the entire department are extremely grateful to everyone who stepped in to help,” the Haughton Police Department wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday. “We want to especially thank Sheriff Parker, Deputy Dick, LAMA Animal Rescue, and Bossier Parish Animal Control for their support in this ongoing case.”
The rescued dogs are now receiving medical evaluations and treatment before being transferred to LAMA Animal Rescue, where they will begin the healing process and, eventually, be made available for adoption.
As the investigation continues, the community is stepping up to help with the dogs’ recovery. The Haughton Police Department is currently accepting donations on behalf of the volunteers and rescue organizations caring for the animals.
Items needed include:
- Purina One Dog Food
- Blankets and towels
- Toys
- Cleaning supplies (bleach, detergent, etc.)
- Monetary donations
Donations can be dropped off directly at the Haughton Police Department.