PRESS RELEASE

New Orleans Man Arrested for Dog Fighting and Aggravated Cruelty

New Orleans, LA (5/16/08) – Last night 59-year-old Lloyd Mercadel, 1614 Painters Street, New Orleans was arrested by NOPD on charges of dog fighting and aggravated cruelty. Louisiana SPCA humane officers found four dogs, all male pit bulls, on the scene. Mercadel claimed ownership of the four dogs.

One of the four dogs was found discarded over the fence of Mercadel’s property suffering from massive fractures to his skull, as well as injuries and scarring consistent with dog fighting. He was near death when found by the LA/SPCA.

The other three dogs also showed signs of dog fighting and had past scarring injuries consistent with dog fighting. One dog also had an old injury to its forearm, which suggested that it had previously been broken. All the dogs had old scarring but also fresh wounds, and were humanely euthanized after a veterinary exam.

Kathryn Destreza, LA/SPCA’s Director of Humane Law Enforcement, said the four pit bulls also suffered from what appeared to be severe malnutrition and improper development as they were diminutive in size and stature. “It’s unacceptable for people to continue this type of cruelty, but the community also has to take a stand. Everyone needs to understand that these crimes happen in EVERY community, with people from every walk of life,” said Destreza.

The LA/SPCA will continue to investigate the incident and gather evidence. To report suspected dog fighting or any other types of animal cruelty to the LA/SPCA please call 504-368-5191, ext. 100. It can also be reported via the LA/SPCA website at http://www.la-spca.org/forms/investigation_request.htm. In 2007 the LA/SPCA investigated 37 dog fighting cases and over 1300 animal cruelty and neglect cases.

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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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