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 Inspectors and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested two Opelousas juveniles Oct. 10-11 for livestock theft.

Strain said seven horses were stolen from the St. Landry Parish Animal Control Shelter during a series of five break-ins from Aug. 8 through Oct. 1.

One juvenile suspect was charged with seven counts of livestock theft, four counts of criminal trespass and one count of cruelty to animals.

The second juvenile suspect was charged with one count of livestock theft and once count of criminal trespassing.

Six of the horses have been recovered. Investigators are still searching for the unrecovered horse.