PRESS RELEASE

Mother and Son Found Guilty of Dog Fighting

JEFFERSON PARISH, LA – (5/24/07) A mother and son were found guilty of dog fighting this week in Jefferson Parish Criminal District Court. Yolanda James and Mark James of Becker Street in Marrero were found guilty on charges of dog fighting stemming from an April 5, 2006 arrest that resulted from a raid by the Louisiana State Police’s Gaming Division.

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA) was called in by State Police officers to recover ten adult pit bulls and three puppies following the 2006 raid. Kathryn Destreza, Director of Humane Law Enforcement for the LA/SPCA, testified as an expert in cruelty and dog fighting in Tuesday’s trial. Destreza testified that two had wounds and scarring consistent with illegal dog fighting. Along with the scars, Destreza noted that, “Most of the dogs had demodex mange, all had intestinal worms and three had motor oil on them.”

The case began with an undercover investigation by the Louisiana State Police after they received knowledge of a classified ad offering “dead game puppies for sale.” Undercover agents posing as buyers were able to build the case based on comments from the Jameses that the puppies would fight to the death, as well as their admission that they had dead game. Undercover agents also observed dog fighting injuries on some of the adult dogs in the yard.

“This type of dog fighter is often indicative of amateur or street level dog fighting,” said Destreza. “We see it with backyard breeder types, like the individuals in this case, that spend little money on proper vet care and are often involved in other crimes.” In addition to being booked with dog fighting in the April 5, 2006 arrest, the Jameses were also booked with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of firearms and animal cruelty.

“These types of investigations and convictions are extremely important because it directly affects the quality of life within the community as much as it directly reflects on the community,” added Destreza. Destreza applauded the Louisiana State Police and the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, represented by Assistant District Attorney Michael Smith, for recognizing the impact of dog fighting and working together to fight such a cruel and dangerous activity. The Jameses will appear in court for sentencing on June 20, 2007.

To report suspected dog fighting or any other types of animal cruelty contact the LA/SPCA at 504-368-5191, ext. 100. The public can also report suspected cruelty or request an investigation on the LA/SPCA’s website at: http://www.la-spca.org/forms/investigation_request.htm.

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The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an organization devoted to improving the lives of animals and eliminating the homelessness, neglect and abuse that signal animal suffering. Chartered in 1888, our history has been paved with an understanding that only through an improved human-animal ethic can we better the lives of companion animals and that of our community. Our programs and services are infused with the highest standards of care and compassion.

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