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St. Martin Parish Council classifies animal fighting as a nuisance, adopts enforcement ordinance
Summary
The council unanimously adopted Ordinance 22-05-1352 to add a nuisance provision targeting the fighting of animals on private property; Parish President Chester R. Cedars said the measure responds to sheriff's office concerns while a resident asked that reports be investigated before enforcement.
The St. Martin Parish Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 22-05-1352 on May 25, 2022, adding Section 24-6 to the parish Code of Ordinances to classify the use of property for fighting of animals as a nuisance.
Parish President Chester R. Cedars told the council the ordinance grew from discussions with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office and is intended as a local enforcement tool that targets the act of fighting animals rather than possession, breeding or training. "This is a tool to regulate this type of illegal activity," Cedars said.
During the public hearing, resident Billy Broussard urged council members to ensure each reported situation is investigated before the parish takes enforcement action, saying reports could be fabricated. "Before action is taken, each situation should be investigated to ensure the activity is actually taking place," Broussard said.
The ordinance cites specific state statutes (La. R.S. 14:102.19(A), 14:102.23(A)(1) and 14:102.24) and declares the prohibited activities a nuisance under Section 24-1 of the parish code. It provides that violations entitle the parish to remedies in Article I of Chapter 24 and under general Louisiana law, including injunctive relief. The ordinance also establishes penalties of $300 to $500, imprisonment up to 30 days, or both, and states that any penalty shall not be subject to suspension.
The motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Dean LeBlanc and seconded by Byron Fuselier. The roll call showed nine yeas, no nays, and no abstentions; the ordinance was declared adopted.
Next steps identified in the ordinance: the measure becomes effective upon signature by the Parish President and is severable if any provision is held invalid. The council did not record any further procedural direction for enforcement at the meeting.
