The Morgan City Police Department has released the following statement regarding the arrest of animal rescue advocate Alyssa Muse.
Later that day, at approximately 3:51 p.m., officers responded to a complaint from a resident in the area of Onstead Street regarding a missing dog. The complainant alleged that their dog had been taken by Mrs. Alyssa Muse and that she was refusing to return the animal.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the complainant, who stated they had received information indicating that an individual identified as “Alyssa Aviary” had possession of the dog. The complainant provided officers with photographs of the dog both on the roadway and on the porch of the residence. The complainant advised officers that the dog had apparently escaped through an open window.
The complainant further explained that the dog, approximately nine years old, had been undergoing treatment for a long-term skin condition. During the investigation, officers confirmed the dog had received veterinary care within the past year and that the complainant had most recently obtained medication for the condition in November. Officers observed the dog’s living environment and documented that sufficient food and water were available. Reports further noted there were no visible signs of neglect or mistreatment within the residence.
The complainant also provided officers with message exchanges between themselves and Mrs. Muse regarding efforts to have the dog returned.
At approximately 4:40 p.m., an officer contacted Mrs. Muse by telephone. According to reports, Mrs. Muse stated she had received information regarding a roaming dog in the area at approximately 12:33 p.m. She advised that she responded to the location, observed the dog, and believed the animal to be in poor health. Mrs. Muse stated she followed the dog to the porch of a residence and shortly after took the animal.
According to the investigation, Mrs. Muse also stated that she contacted the owner of the trailer park, who allegedly informed her that the dog belonged to a resident in the park and had suffered from a skin condition for some time. Mrs. Muse further advised officers that she transported the dog to a veterinary facility in Harahan, Louisiana, and believed the dog could not be immediately returned due to the examination process.
Records indicate Mrs. Muse contacted the Morgan City Police Department at approximately 3:46 p.m., around the same time officers received the complaint from the dog’s owner. Mrs. Muse stated she had taken possession of a dog she believed to be in poor condition and had contacted a shelter and veterinary hospital regarding the matter.
At approximately 5:35 p.m., officers advised Mrs. Muse that the dog needed to be returned to its owner. Mrs. Muse agreed to comply but stated weather conditions and the late hour would delay the return until the following day. The dog was subsequently returned to the owner the next day.
During the course of the investigation, Mrs. Muse stated she believed she had authorization from a shelter to remove the animal. However, the shelter later advised investigators that no such authorization had been given to remove animals from the Morgan City area.
The following week, the complainant elected to pursue criminal charges regarding the incident. An affidavit outlining the facts of the investigation was completed and signed by the complainant. The warrant application was then presented to a judge, who determined probable cause existed for the charge of Theft Under $1,000. St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office located Ms. Muse at her residence and arrested her on the warrant.
Chief Chad M. Adams stated that the Morgan City Police Department maintains an Animal Warden, Criminal Investigations Division, and Patrol Division that routinely investigate complaints involving animal cruelty and take enforcement action when warranted.
Chief Adams further stated that the department has handled prior incidents involving Mrs. Muse taking possession of animals within the City of Morgan City. In those prior instances, Mrs. Muse was instructed that she is not authorized to remove animals from within the city limits and was advised of the proper procedures for reporting suspected animal cruelty cases to law enforcement so that investigations could be conducted by the appropriate authorities.
“In situations involving suspected animal cruelty, citizens are encouraged to immediately contact the Morgan City Police Department so a proper investigation can be conducted,” Chief Adams stated. “In this case, the established procedure was not followed, as the department was not contacted until after the animal had already been removed from the area.”
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law”
