The Humane Society of Louisiana spent Christmas responding to abuse and neglect in its own backyard in Mount Hermon.

“Acts of cruelty to animals are always tragic,” said Humane Society Vice President Johnna Harris. “The fact that these animals were harmed at Christmas time makes their needless suffering particularly heartbreaking.”

Just before Christmas Eve, Harris rescued abandoned puppies, which were left alone by the highway. The three pups were deserted at the Warnerton Quickstop, a gas station in Franklinton, which is close to Enoch J. Donaldson Animal Sanctuary. The Quickstop has become a routine dumping site for unwanted pets in this rural area.

“Anyone who saw anything or has any information about the individual who abandoned these defenseless pups should contact us,” Harris said.

An act of suspected dog poisoning on Christmas Day also left the crew shocked and heartbroken and one dog, Asher, fighting for his life.

On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Harris said she expected Asher to make a full recovery. “He is doing much better,” Harris said.

Asher is one of three homeless dogs that had been living near the Warnerton Quickstop. They were believed to have been lost or abandoned in the area some time ago, and the animals were just beginning to trust Humane Society volunteer Bill Barse, and a local rescuer who regularly fed them. The timid dogs had just started letting the rescuers touch them, and plans were made that the Humane Society would attempt to pick the dogs up just after Christmas and continue working with them until they could be adopted.

When Barse arrived at the feeding site on Christmas, he saw the lifeless bodies of two of the dogs and Asher lethargic but still wagging his tail. There were no signs of physical injuries, so poisoning was suspected. According to one local resident, at least three other dogs in the area are suspected to have been killed by poisoning in the last few weeks, lending credence to the theory.

Staff members reported to work on Christmas Day to pick up and tend to the dying dog and remove the bodies of the dead animals.

“Asher is facing a rough road ahead but is now under the direct care of a veterinarian,” Harris said. “If it turns out that this is indeed a case of intentional poisoning, the Humane Society of Louisiana is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any perpetrator(s).”

Harris said the puppies that were left on Dec. 23 are doing well. She said they were not poisoned and have been vaccinated and are in treatment for mange.

Funds are needed for vet bills and caring for the puppies and Asher. Donations can be made by sending checks to: Humane Society of Louisiana, PO Box 740321, New Orleans, LA 70714.

The Humane Society of Louisiana operates and is actively working to expand its 47-acre, no-kill Enoch J. Donaldson Animal Sanctuary in Washington Parish and operates many other programs around Louisiana. The agency is currently collecting food and supplies for the 250 animals it feeds and provides care for every day.