Communications: Illegal Dog Breeders - Denham Springs Animal Control

Actions and Communications Log

Exhibit 3 – November 30, 2023: Concerns Regarding Excessive Barking, Snarling and Lack of Control

11-30-2023

Subject: Concerns Regarding Excessive Barking, Snarling and Lack of Control

Dear Rachel Boutwell,

I am writing to bring to your attention a pressing concern within our neighborhood that involves a pet owner and their dog. The issue at hand centers around the persistent and excessive barking and snarling of the dog, particularly when we are in our yard, driveway and workshop, which is adjacent to their fenced area.

The intensity of the noise has become a significant disruption to the peace and quiet of our living environment. Unfortunately, this situation has escalated to the point where it affects our ability to enjoy our outdoor spaces, including our yard, driveway, and workshop.

We have attempted to address this matter directly with the pet owner, expressing our concerns and seeking a resolution. Regrettably, our efforts have not yielded any improvement, and the disturbances persist. The dog’s behavior has created an environment that is both uncomfortable and stressful for us as neighbors.

I kindly request that Animal Control investigates this matter promptly to ensure the well-being and tranquility of our neighborhood. It is our hope that appropriate measures can be taken to address the excessive barking and snarling, creating a more harmonious living space for all residents.

Please consider this letter as a formal complaint, and I am willing to provide any additional information or documentation to support the investigation.

Thank you for your swift attention to this matter. I trust that the Denham Springs Animal Control will handle this complaint with the utmost professionalism.

Dog owners address: 222 Pecan St. Denham Springs LA. 70276

Subject: Urgent Follow-Up on Dangerous Dog Incident
To Whom It May Concern,
I am requesting an immediate follow-up and explanation regarding the tragic incident on Don Ave, where four Mastiff Cane Corso dogs fatally attacked a senior Black Labrador that was on a leash with its owner.
I seek clarification on why the most aggressive dog, "Code[i]," was not taken by authorities, particularly since three other female dogs were removed.
As a neighboring resident, I want to emphasize that this issue has been reported multiple times. Given that these dogs have now demonstrated their ability and willingness to kill—even while their owner is present—we have no choice but to take action to protect our household from the tenants and their animals residing at the rental property owned by LaJarvis Scott. Given Mr. Dylan Flores past criminal charges and the repeated reports regarding his dogs aggressive behavior, it raises serious concerns about the potential danger posed to our community.
This is not merely a request but a demand for a status update regarding the city's response to this matter. I also insist on the immediate removal of the remaining vicious dog, which continues to pose a serious threat to our community.
I expect a prompt response outlining the next steps being taken to ensure the safety of residents.
Sincerely,
Murray Wennerlund

Dear Mr. Wennerlund,
Thank you for your message. I want to express my sincere sympathy for the distressing situation you described. You allege that four dogs fatally attacked a senior Labrador on Don Ave, and I understand how upsetting and alarming this has been for you and your neighbors. The safety and well-being of our residents and their pets is a matter we take very seriously.
This is the first time I am hearing of this incident. While I cannot speak to the full scope of the actions taken by enforcement authorities at this time, please know that I take your concerns very seriously. I will look into this matter immediately and follow up with the appropriate departments to gather accurate information regarding the status of the investigation and the handling of the remaining dog, “Code.”
I appreciate you bringing your concerns forward, including your observations about the property and its tenants. Your concerns regarding public safety and the well-being of the community are valid and will be taken into account as we review this situation. I will follow up with an update as soon as I am able to gather the necessary information.

Buffy Anderson, City Clerk
116 N. Range Ave.
Denham Springs, LA 70726
(225) 665-8121

Dear Mr. Wennerlund,
Thank you again for your message. I want to follow up regarding the distressing incident you reported involving the dogs on Don Ave.
After looking into the matter, I can confirm that all four dogs were voluntarily surrendered by their owners and have since been euthanized. I also contacted the animal shelter, and they confirmed that they did not receive any prior reports or complaints regarding aggressive behavior from these dogs.
While I understand how upsetting this incident has been for you and your neighbors, I hope this information helps provide some clarity.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or if there’s anything else I can assist you with.

Best Regards,

This is a copy of my first formal complaint, sent on November 30, 2023, regarding the dogs at 222 Pecan St. and the renters inability to control them.
Following my initial complaint, Animal Control requested that I file police reports regarding the situation. In response, I set up security cameras to protect our property and provide early warning of potential issues with the dogs. For months, we avoided going outside on our own property due to the ongoing threat these dogs posed.
I will be seeking greater accountability from the city, particularly when residents file reports and provide video evidence of dangerous conditions that, in this case, resulted in the fatal attack of a peaceful dog involving dangerous breeder dogs. These dogs should never have been allowed in our neighborhood, especially considering that this is now the second tenant specializing in breeds classified as dangerous.
The Animal Control email address is the only official communication channel used by the city, and incidents were also reported and documented via their telephone and mobile lines.

Email was then sent to Stephanie Bond Hulett City Attorney

Mr. Wennerlund,
Are you represented by an attorney as you stated the last time we spoke? If so, please give them my contact information as the Professional Rules of Conduct prevent me and other city employees from communicating directly with a represented individual. If not, please let me know.
Best Regards, Stephanie
Stephanie Bond Hulett
City Attorney
City of Denham Springs
225.665.8121

Mr. Wunnerland,
We have reached out to our PD and to Animal Control. Neither department received vicious dog complaints about these dogs prior to last weekend’s incident. While we do acknowledge your 2023 complaint to Animal Control, the allegations therein do not rise to the requirements of our ordinance regarding vicious dogs, found in DS Code of Ordinances, Sections 18-76 through 18-84.
You mentioned video evidence and repeated complaints in your email. Do you have copies of those complaints? Did you submit the video evidence you collected to the PD or to Animal Control? If so, please let me know when and via what means so that I can address why it was not entered into a file.
To address your current concern, I can assure you that on the day of the incident in question, all 4 dogs were taken into custody. They have been euthanized.

Best Regards,
Stephanie

Stephanie Bond Hulett
City Attorney
City of Denham Springs
225.665.8121