A miniature goat is found shot to death in Lafayette, leaving the family of the pet seeking answers. Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says it appears that the goat, known has Uncle Baby Billy Goat, was shot in the neck by either a .22 or pellet rifle and bled to death.
“The family is just absolutely devasted. There was no reason. It was a harmless little pet that was just loved and endeared by the daughters of the family and everybody is just heartbroken,” said Dorson.
The family filed a police report upon discovery of the goat’s body. Dorson says there is a statewide trend of companion animals being shot, almost weekly, with no clear motivation. Dorson adds that such acts of violence can have a lasting negative impact.
“Definitely an integral part of the family. Trying to tell a child that somebody killed your pet, imagine their emotional trauma. There is a lot of shockwaves and everybody loses when somebody randomly kills a pet,” said Dorson.
The reward is currently set at $1300 for information that leads to an arrest. Dorson says the state has very strong and strict provisions set for those found guilty of felony animal cruelty.
“That includes the malicious killing of animals such as this one, so it is a sentence of no less than one year, no more than ten years and a fine of no less than $5,000, no more than $25,000,” said Dorson.
