Illegal Dog Breeders: Actions Taken & Denham Springs' Failures

Negligence and Avoidable Tragedy: Denham Springs' Failure to Regulate Dangerous Breeding Operations

On May 23, 2025, at 10:15 AM a horrifying incident unfolded in Shelly's Homesites, Denham Springs, Louisiana. A senior Labrador Retriever leashed and peacefully walking alongside its owner on Don Avenue a public street, was suddenly and viciously attacked and killed by four Mastiff-Cane Corso dogs that escaped from an unsecured area on rental property at 222 Pecan St. in Denham Springs Louisiana. The dogs, bred for profit in an illegal breeding operation, had a history of unchecked aggression, yet local authorities failed to act despite prior warnings.

Unregulated Breeding and City Ordinance Violations

The city's Code of Ordinances clearly outlines requirements for animal breeders and responsible pet ownership. Section 18-207 states that breeders must obtain a permit from Animal Control to legally breed or sell dogs. However, Denham Springs Animal Control officials repeatedly failed to enforce these laws

In November 2023 a formal complaint letter was submitted to Denham Springs Animal Control notifying them about the growing concerns regarding aggressive behavior displayed by these breeder dogs. The complainants requested a site visit and inspection but their request was ignored. When follow-up inquiries were made about the city's breeding permit requirement, Shelly, an employee at the Animal Shelter, falsely claimed that breeders were not required to obtain permits, contradicting the clear provisions in the ordinance. Even after being informed of the regulation, Shelly refused to send an officer to investigate the property, enabling the illegal breeding operation to persist unchecked.

Failure to Enforce Dangerous Dog Regulations

Denham Springs also has strict provisions regarding pet containment and vicious dogs:

• Sec. 18-55 mandates that dog owners must securely confine animals within an adequate fence or enclosure.
• Sec. 18-76 defines vicious dogs as those that aggressively approach people or attack unprovoked.
• Sec. 18-80 states that vicious dogs must always be confined within a locked enclosure, and owners must be held accountable.

At 222 Pecan St, the rental property used for breeding failed to meet these regulations:

• The fencing was below the six-foot height requirement in multiple areas.
• The enclosure lacked a secure locking mechanism, allowing dogs to circumvent weak barriers.
• The dogs were never trained with recall or stop commands, and their owners only shouted "Get in the f---ing house!" as their primary control directive.
• Neighbors reported continuous aggressive barking and fence-jumping behavior, yet authorities took no corrective action.

Despite multiple documented warnings from concerned residents, Denham Springs Animal Control failed to inspect the property, regulate the breeding operation, or enforce safety standards. Instead, the city ignored complaints, dismissed concerns, and actively failed to protect its residents and their pets.

On several occasions, police officers were dispatched by the dog breeders to confront neighbors who had filed complaints about the dogs. Officers from the Denham Springs Police Department threatened adjacent neighbors with charges of "Disturbing the Peace" for simply engaging in constitutionally protected activities. Property owners have the right to use their land within legal boundaries, and these threats represent a blatant failure to uphold constitutionally protected rights.

The Tragic Mauling That Could Have Been Prevented

On May 23, 2025, the inevitable consequences of inaction came to pass. The four Mastiff-Cane Corso dogs, used for breeding, escaped their unpermitted enclosure, rushing into the street without provocation. They brutally mauled and killed a Black Labrador leaving its owner traumatized and helpless.

This tragedy was entirely preventable. Had Denham Springs Animal Control enforced its own ordinances, conducted inspections, and revoked illegal breeding operations, this fatal attack would never have happened. Instead, the city ignored complaints, dismissed concerns, and actively failed to protect its residents and their pets.

Calls for Accountability and Action

The horrifying events of May 23 serve as a devastating reminder of why animal breeding laws exist to protect communities from unregulated operations that breed aggressive, dangerous animals without proper oversight. Local authorities must be held accountable for:

• Failing to enforce breeder permit requirements.
• Neglecting fencing, containment, and aggression warnings.
• Refusing to investigate repeated complaints.
• Allowing breeders to intimidate neighbors and misuse law enforcement.

Denham Springs Animal Control must answer for its inaction and immediately enforce stricter regulations on breeding operations. Community members must demand that the city conduct thorough inspections, close illegal kennels, and hold irresponsible pet owners accountable. Otherwise, more tragedies like this one will occur, placing innocent pets and residents at grave risk.

A city ordinance is only as effective as its enforcement. Denham Springs has the legal framework to regulate breeders and prevent violent animal attacks, yet it has repeatedly failed to act, resulting in loss of life. The people of Denham Springs deserve safer neighborhoods, responsible breeders, and a government that prioritizes public well-being over bureaucratic negligence.

This tragedy should never have happened, and without immediate reform, it could happen again.