Livingston Parish Man Arrested on 40 Animal Cruelty Charges

Deputies in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, arrested 27-year-old Malik Smith on Friday, Sept. 18, charging him with 40 counts of animal cruelty. Smith faces seven counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and 33 counts of simple cruelty.

Authorities discovered 40 pigs in substandard conditions, lacking food and water, after responding to complaints of loose animals on North Cafe Line Road. One pig was found dead, and others sustained severe injuries. Many animals had escaped their enclosure by crawling under a fence and onto the roadway.

Smith surrendered all 40 pigs, which were safely removed from the property. The investigation into the incident continues. It is currently unclear which rescue organizations will accommodate the animals.

Residents who suspect animal neglect should contact their local animal services.