Denham Springs Animal Control: Community Needs - Oversight

Ignored Warnings: Denham Springs Animal Control Fails to Act on Dangerous Breeding Operation in Shelly's Homesites Subdivision

A specific incident involving a vicious dog attack has highlighted a critical failure by Denham Springs Animal Control to address a dangerous animal breeding operation within the Shelly's Homesites residential neighborhood. This ongoing issue raises serious concerns for the safety and well-being of residents and their pets.

• A vicious dog attack involving four Mastiff Cane Corso occurred in the residential neighborhood of Shelly's Homesites.
• 222 Pecan St. Denham Springs LA. 70726
• Rental property owned by: LaJarvis Scott of Walker Louisiana and owner of Changing Faces Barbershop in Denham Springs.
• Core Issue: Denham Springs Animal Control has ignored warnings and failed to act on this dangerous breeding operation.
• Read detailed communications here.

Mayor and City Attorney Shift Responsibility to Residents of Shelly's Homesites Subdivision.

Despite a formal complaint regarding aggressive breeder dogs, the City of Denham Springs' officials, including the Mayor and City Attorney, have shifted the responsibility back to the residents of Shelly's Homesites Subdivision. This response raises questions about accountability and the effectiveness of local animal control enforcement.

• Date of Complaint: November 30, 2023
• Location: 222 Pecan St., Denham Springs, LA 70726
• Property Owner: LaJarvis Scott (Walker, LA) – Local business owner and proprietor of Changing Faces Barbershop in Denham Springs.

City's Response & Lack of Action:

Despite receiving taxpayer funding, the Denham Springs Animal Shelter failed to acknowledge or respond to residents' concerns. At first, the City Clerk's office, speaking on behalf of the animal shelter's director, denied receiving any complaints or official notices. However, once email correspondence was presented as evidence, officials revised their stance, stating that the complaint submitted was not worded in a way that warranted any action by the authorities.

Read detailed communications here.

Common Community Concerns:

Residents frequently encounter several animal-related issues that require consistent and timely intervention from Animal Control. Understanding these common concerns helps in advocating for more effective solutions.

• Stray Animals: Lack of timely response to reports of stray or roaming animals that may pose a safety risk or cause property damage.
• Nuisance Barking: Inconsistent enforcement of noise ordinances related to continuously barking dogs, impacting neighborhood tranquility.
• Animal Containment: Failure to address properties with inadequate fencing or enclosures, leading to animals escaping and wandering freely.
• Illegal Breeding Operations: Limited oversight or enforcement regarding backyard breeding operations that may violate city permits or animal welfare standards.
• Dangerous Animal Incidents: Perceived inaction or delayed response to reports of aggressive animals that have caused harm or pose a significant threat to residents and other pets.