On September 21, 2009, the Assumption Parish Sheriff's office was contacted by a complainant whom had concerns with the condition of several horses in a fenced in area near a Labadieville residence. Deputies responded and began investigating the complaint. It was noted that 8 horses appeared to be malnourished and in bad physical shape. Horse ribs could be seen through the skin. As well, loss of muscle mass in the back and hip areas was noted. Assumption Parish Officials engaged the services of a Veterinarian who did and site visit and inspection and confirmed that the horses were indeed under nourished and should be placed on a better nutrition plan immediately.

As a result of this investigation, the following persons who were the owners and/or caretakers of the horses were arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on September 22, 2009:

Anthony “Tony” Berthelot, Age 61

Celeste Cook, Age 44

126 Green Acres Court

Labadieville, Louisiana

The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office was able to place the horses with new caretakers who are in the process or relocating these horses to their facilities. One facility is in Thibodaux and the other is Bayou L'Ourse.