Bienville Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested and charged Tanya Michelle Griffith and Allen Tyler Meylian with 32 counts of cruelty to animals.

 

Late last month, Bienville Sheriff’s deputies responded to a complaint regarding dogs living in poor condition at 402 Lawhorn Road, Jamestown, Bienville Parish. A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Tanya Michelle Griffith, 32, and Allen Tyler Meylian, 29. There were originally 34 dogs at the residence, but one died at the scene, and another died en route to a different location. Five other dogs had to be put to sleep because they were deemed too aggressive and constituted a public health and safety issue.

 

The Humane Society of Louisiana (HSLA) was notified about the dogs and contacted the Bissell Pet Foundation (https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/). The Bissell Foundation has been active in Louisiana for many years, providing resources and grants and rehoming thousands of pets from shelters and rescue groups. The Bissell Foundation graciously agreed to accept custody of the remaining 26 dogs and puppies, and they moved them to its Michigan headquarters over the past two weeks. 

 

The Humane Society of Louisiana is seeking donations to offset the costs of boarding and providing medical care for the dogs over the past ten days. The cost exceeds $5,000. Those wishing to donate can contribute on the Humane Society’s website: 

Venmo: @HumaneLA

or Paypal: humanela@gmail.com. Checks or money orders can also be mailed to HSLA P.O. Box 740321, New Orleans, LA 70174. All donations are tax-deductible. 

 

“This was a very big enterprise. Sometimes, treating one neglected dog takes hundreds or even a thousand dollars. Imagine the resources needed to house and heal 26 mistreated dogs and puppies,” said Jeff Dorson, HSLA Director. “That is why we’re hoping people in the Bienville community and surrounding region will donate what they can to help.” Added Dorson.

 

The Humane Society has worked with the Bienville Sheriff’s Department on several major animal cruelty cases over the past few years. The group has long seen the need for the parish to provide a public holding facility and animal control officers to deal with its large stray and neglected animal population. 

 

Photos are provided by the Humane Society and may be reproduced.

 

Established in 1988, HSLA is one of the largest animal protection agencies in the state. For more information, please visit its website at www.humanela.org.