By Pat Culverhouse
A woman reportedly responsible for dumping a large number of dogs on a rural road near Doyline is now looking at 72 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies followed a trail of evidence to her rural mobile home.
Kimberly B. Crowley, 58, was taken into custody just after 2 p.m. Thursday and is currently residing in the parish jail, Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said. No bond has been set.
Parker said Major Robert Hayden, along with Lt. Chuck Clark and Deputy Justin Spillers had been tracking those who dumped dogs on Dement Rd. south of Doyline Sunday, and their efforts led to Crowley’s mobile home in the 300 block of Stable Dr.
Inside, the deputies reportedly found approximately 60 dogs of all ages and sizes in cages throughout the residence. Some cages reportedly held multiple large dogs in conditions that were described as inhumane.
“There was urine and feces everywhere, and some of the animals were in cages without food or water,” Parker said. “And there were people living in this place with all these animals. I don’t think I’ve seen this type of condition before.”
Apparently, Crowley was operating a “puppy mill” from the residence, Parker said. He said evidence was found that she had advertised dogs for sale on social media sites.
Parker said after Hayden confronted Crowley with evidence, she asked if she could just pay a fine and have this all forgotten.
“Major Hayden’s answer wasn’t what this person wanted to hear,” Parker said. “He informed her that she absolutely was not getting off with a fine. She was going to be taken into custody.”
Parker said deputies have fed and watered all the dogs and at least one officer will remain at the residence all night to ensure the animals do not roam away. The rescue agency LaMa has been notified and has agreed to pick up the animals and have them inspected by a veterinarian.
In addition to the large number of dogs, Parker said other animals were found on the property including horses, pigs, cats, ducks and geese.
“Those animals appeared to be in good condition, but they will be checked also,” he said. “But if I have my way, she’ll never again be allowed to own even a goldfish.”
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
