An 18-year-old Caldwell Parish man is arrested for allegedly strangling a spotted fawn.
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Taryn Varnell of Grayson was captured on video taking the deer in Caldwell Parish and choking it to death.
Back on July 9, investigators were looking into an unrelated incident when they discovered the video.
“They stumbled upon the video,” says Senior Agent Michael Thacker. “I wasn’t expecting it. It shocked the conscience, that’s for sure.”
The video was graphic.
“The individual choked the fawn out,” says Thacker. “He stood it up, lifted it overhead and slammed it back to earth in an aggressive manner.”
Investigators identified Varnell as the suspect; and on August 21, they found him at his home.
Thacker says Varnell confessed.
“He was respectful and remorseful for his actions,” Thacker says, “but ultimately he was going to be booked into jail.”
Varnell is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.
“Aggravated cruelty to animals is a felony,” says Thacker. “It’s up to a $25,000 fine and up to ten years in prison.”
Varnell is also charged with taking a spotted fawn, which is illegal in the State of Louisiana.
“There is no legal season for a spotted fawn,” Thacker notes. “Under no circumstances is it legal (to hunt the animal).”
The punishment for that crime is 15-30 days in jail and a fine of between $500 and $750.
Varnell may also be forced to pay more than $1,600 in restitution for the replacement value of the illegally-taken deer.
Comments