Two arrested for dogfighting in parish

Published 12:36 am Saturday, March 13, 2010

FERRIDAY — Two arrests followed after Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Deputies broke up an apparent dogfight Friday afternoon.

According to a news release from the CPSO, the dogfight was being conducted at 352 Calhoun Road when Lt. Chris Groh arrived on the scene.

Several individuals reportedly fled the scene to a nearby wooded area as the deputy approached, but one, Audray C. Evans, stayed at the scene.

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Evans, 44, 116 Miranda Drive, Clayton, was charged with dogfighting and training and possession of dogs for fighting.

The scene of the dogfight reportedly had a makeshift arena, and Groh said two dogs — pit bulls — were attacking each other and continued to do so even as he tried to separate them, according to the release.

The arena reportedly contained fresh blood, which was also found in nearby dog kennels and on the door of a trailer located on the property. Several other pit bulls were tied or chained near the arena, and most of the animals reportedly had wounds indicating they had previously been used as fighting animals, according to the release.

A veterinarian, Dr. Justin Gregg, was brought in to check the animals.

In addition to the fighting animals, deputies found a Polaris RZR ATV that had been reported stolen in Catahoula Parish.

The trailer’s owner, Lavon C. Bowman, 29, was arrested on charges of dogfighting, training and possession of dogs for fighting, possession of stolen property and a probation and parole violation.

Concordia Parish Sheriff Randy Maxwell said anyone with knowledge of dogfighting in the parish should contact the CPSO at 318-336-5231, 318-757-3162 or 318-386-2200.

“Dogfighting is cruel and barbaric,” he said.

Other CPSO officers at the scene included Sgt. Mike Clark, Lt. Denis Mulvihill and Sgt. Billy Joe Ratcliff. Louisiana Probation and Parole Agent Ty Book also assisted.