A Lacombe homeowner was arrested Monday after deputies discovered eight dogs living in “deplorable” conditions in a residence on the 60000 block of S. Pontchartrain Drive, according to the Alt923.

Deputies and St. Tammany Parish Animal Control officers responded to the address earlier that day and located six surviving dogs and two deceased animals inside the home, the sheriff’s office said. The surviving dogs were removed and placed into custody by Animal Control so they could receive immediate veterinary care and assessment; the two deceased dogs were found inside the residence.

Homeowner Kathleen Leatherman, 57, was arrested at the scene on multiple animal cruelty charges and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on Monday, officials said. The sheriff’s office described the house as being in deplorable condition when deputies arrived.

Officials said the six surviving animals included four dogs that were severely malnourished and two that had significant injuries. St. Tammany Parish Animal Control took custody of the surviving animals for urgent evaluation and treatment, the office said.

“Cases like this are disturbing,” Sheriff Randy Smith said in a statement. “Our deputies and Animal Control officers continue to work together to protect the vulnerable animals in our parish, and we will always pursue charges when we encounter cruelty of this nature. These dogs deserved better.”

Investigators did not immediately release further details about the injuries or the identities of the deceased animals. Authorities said the investigation into the conditions at the home and the circumstances that led to the animals’ state is ongoing.

When animal control and law enforcement agencies encounter similar situations, standard practice is to remove animals from the scene to prevent further harm and to present the case to prosecutors for evaluation and possible charges, experts say. Common signs of neglect include a lack of access to food, water, or proper shelter; poor physical condition such as extreme thinness, untreated wounds, severe matting of fur, or visible illness; and inadequate living conditions including filthy environments, overcrowding or confinement in extreme circumstances, officials say. Individuals who suspect animal cruelty can contact their local animal control agency, call 911 for crimes in progress, or reach out to local law enforcement if they are unsure whom to contact.

Authorities reiterated that community reports play a crucial role in identifying and responding to cases of abuse and neglect. The sheriff’s office emphasized the continuing collaboration between deputies and Animal Control in addressing cruelty complaints and ensuring that animals receive appropriate care while legal and investigative steps move forward.

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Readers often ask how to recognize animal neglect and where to report it. What resources are available for individuals to report suspected animal cruelty include contacting their local animal control agency, calling 911 for crimes in progress, or reaching out to local law enforcement if they are unsure whom to contact.