LaPlace woman jailed; 50 dogs taken from her home

LAPLACE, LA (WVUE) - St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff's deputies have arrested a LaPlace woman operating an illegal dog rescue operation. Fifty dogs were taken from her home living in 'shocking' conditions.

Animal control reported that an illegal dog rescue operation called "Happy Yappy Doggy Rescue" was operating at the residence at 1900 block of Longwood Court in LaPlace.

On May 7, animal control removed approximately 40 animals from the residence that were living in conditions that were described as 'shocking.' Deputies say animals were living in kennel cabs stacked throughout the house that were covered with dirt, grime, urine and feces. Some animals were kept in the garage without food, water or proper air circulation, animal control said.

Animal control officers instructed the resident of the home, 46-year-old Joyce Charles, that she was not allowed to operate the rescue operation from her home and was not allowed to house animals in her home.

However, officials received information that Charles continued to take in animals. On July 15, St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office detectives with the assistance St. John the Baptist Parish Animal Control officers executed a search warrant at the residence and seized 10 additional dogs.

Joyce Charles was arrested and booked with cruelty to animals and improper zoning use. She remains in custody in lieu of a $17,000 bond.

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