Lawsuit hearing against Vermilion Parish Rabies Animal Control allowed dogs to go to foster parents
VERMILION PARISH, La. (KLFY) - During a hearing at the Vermilion Parish courthouse in front of Judge Laurie Hulin concerns about the safety and the well being of dogs at the Vermilion Parish Rabies Animal Control felt heard.
“Our goal in the hearing today was to ensure the safety and well-being of the dogs belonging to Ms. Himel and Mr. Faul. We did have an in chambers conversation with Judge Hulin and Mr. Paul Moresi, who is representing the Vermilion Parish Police jury, as well as Mr. Aaron Meche, who is representing the District Attorney's office. After that in chambers' conversation, we walked away feeling that our concerns were heard, that everyone's on the same page and we're all working toward the same goal to ensure the safety and well-being of all of these dogs,” said JaVonna Charles.
According to Charles, who is a plaintiff’s attorney for Cortney Himel and Timothy Faul, they filed a civil lawsuit on the 25th against the animal shelter. They claimed the 14 dogs that were seized in March while under the shelter’s care lacked proper nutrition, shelter and medical treatment.
“My clients had their dogs seized and they are facing criminal charges for which they maintain their innocence. But based on information that we've received through the criminal discovery process, there were some concerns that perhaps the dog's veterinary needs were not entirely met and so we filed a civil suit and we reached out to the district attorney's office to voice our concerns and hopefully have a resolution,” she said. “Total there were 14 dogs seized. We believe there to be five dogs in the custody of the shelter but we learned today that there was only one dog remaining and it's our understanding that that dog will be placed with the foster soon.”
The lawsuit showed on March 12, 2024 the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated a complaint of animal abuse in Rayne which was the home of Himel and Faul. Court records show they were charged with over twenty counts of simple cruelty to animals.
“My clients were charged with animal abuse. Ms. Himel was charged with filing a false police report. Of course, the evidence that is alleged against them, we believe, is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they committed any of those offenses and so we definitely maintain their innocence and we will work towards preparing this matter for trial,” she said.
The state and the defense agree to allow the dogs to be removed from the Vermilion Parish Rabies Control Center into foster’s homes.
“Next steps for us as we're going to work closely with Mr. Moresi on behalf of the police jury. We're going to work with Mr. Meche on behalf of the district attorney's office, and we're all going to figure out how we move from here, how these criminal charges are going to be resolved, and whether or not we can come to a resolution that everyone can live with,” said Charles.
She adds they have the support of the Humane Society of the Louisiana. News 10 checked with the organization and they confirmed they are in support of the lawsuit.
“We've been in close contact with Mr. Jeff Dorson. We hope that the nonprofit, as well as all of the players that I've mentioned previously, will be able to come to a resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of not only Ms Himel’s dogs and Mr. Faul’s dogs, but all of the dogs in Vermilion Parish,” said Charles.
Paul G. Moresi, III, the Assistant District Attorney tells News 10 the Vermilion Parish Police Jury has no comment relative to the litigation, other than to respond that the suit was filed by individuals who are charged with cruelty to animals, the allegations of the suit are without merit, and that the parish intends to vigorously defend itself and its employees in this matter.