Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said Livestock Brand Commission Inspector Carnie Burcham assisted in the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s investigation that led to the arrest of a Shreveport man suspected of shooting an Appaloosa horse.

Burcham and Caddo Sheriff’s Deputy Justin McDonnell arrested Xavier Breonte Strickland, 21, of 3021 Kelly Street, on an aggravated cruelty to animals charge Nov. 30.

Three eyewitnesses identified Strickland as the triggerman who fired two pistol shots at the horse from a moving vehicle on Martin Luther King Drive on Nov. 13.

The horse, struck once by a bullet, was later euthanized.

Strain said the LDAF Brand Commission is empowered to investigate all farm-related crime, including the shooting of livestock.

“Unfortunately, the shooting of cattle and horses is not uncommon,” Strain said. “The Brand Commission investigates these types of cases and we are gratified the Caddo Sheriff’s Office was able to make an arrest.”

Strain said all Livestock Brand Commission enforcement officers are commissioned by the Louisiana State Police and have full police powers in the performance of their duties.

In 2009, Brand Commission inspectors investigated 267 complaints and recovered or accounted for property valued at more than $1.5 million.

To report livestock or farm equipment theft, call the Livestock Brand Commission at 225-925-3962.

-30-