In a troubling turn of events following two separate dog attacks in late September in Bienville Parish, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the tragic death of Donovan Brooks, 40. Brooks’ remains were discovered in a wooded area in Ringgold on Friday night, leading investigators to conclude he had fallen victim to a fatal dog attack, confirmed Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance.
Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office executed arrest warrants for Charlotte Hubbard, 77; Shawn Hubbard, 32; Gerald Miller, 51, charged with negligent homicide and obstruction of justice; and Cameron Kelly, 21, charged as an accessory after the fact. All four suspects were taken into custody and booked into the Bienville Parish Jail.
The arrests unfolded after deputies secured arrest and search warrants for a residence located in the 2000 block of Pine Street. Accompanied by veterinarians and an animal control deputy, law enforcement discovered and seized 26 dogs, 9 of which were large dogs. The fate of the dogs is pending a judicial decision.
During the investigation, deputies uncovered a black garbage bag in the woods containing remains believed to be of a large dog. The incident follows a separate dog attack on Davyta Gray, who sustained severe injuries but survived after nearly losing an arm.
Sheriff Ballance expressed concern over the recurrent issue of dog attacks in the parish, advocating for better facilities for handling stray animals. Recent discussions within the Bienville Parish Police Jury acknowledged the state law mandating animal control but cited financial constraints hindering the establishment of a shelter.
The Humane Society of Louisiana, in collaboration with law enforcement, has previously intervened in animal rescue efforts due to the lack of an animal shelter or effective control measures in Bienville Parish. The ongoing debate within the Police Jury points toward continued discussions with the sheriff’s office and other shelters, while emphasizing public awareness of a statewide leash law as a preventive measure.
The case raises critical questions about animal control and public safety in the parish, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.