Special to The Daily News

A LaCombe man was recently arrested and charged with animal cruelty in Washington Parish.

According to Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office officials, Charles Edward Dillon was arrested after an investigation by WPSO investigators.

The investigation started as a result of a complaint by neighbors and the Humane Society of Louisiana on Monday, March 14, that there was a dead horse and three neglected horses located at 39016 Highway 16, Franklinton. Investigators noticed the live horses to be severely malnourished with backbone and ribs showing. They had little access to water and grass.

After an investigation by the WPSO Criminal Investigations Division, Dillon was arrested and charged with four counts of cruelty to animals.

The horses were subsequently seized by the WPSO and placed in the care of a responsible person. The horses will be examined by a veterinarian.

The WPSO would like to also extend its thanks to the Washington Parish Government Maintenance Department for removing and burying the deceased horse.

“The abuse of animals is not to be taken lightly,” Sheriff Randy Seal said. “The Sheriff’s Office takes animal cruelty seriously, and anybody who witnesses behavior like this should contact the Sheriff’s Office.

“Any person with knowledge of any crime is encouraged to call us at (985) 839-3434 and report what they know. The partnership between our office and our residents is an important tool in solving crime in our parish.”