2 arrested in Terrebonne animal cruelty case involving 33 dogs and 5 cats

A Terrebonne Parish couple faces dozens of counts of animal cruelty after deputies rescued 33 dogs and five cats from what authorities said were deplorable living conditions.

"In August 2026, Animal Control officers were called to a home on American Blvd., in response to a request for cat food by the home owner," the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office stated. "When Animal Control officers contacted the resident, they observed indicators of the homeowners clothing and shoes being covered in feces, as well as an extremely strong odor of urine and ammonia coming from within the residence."

The sheriff's office said Animal Control officers visited the residents on September 9, and saw that several dogs suffered from severe hair loss, observed "significant accumulations of animal waste," and recorded ammonia levels above what is considered unsafe exposure.

The following day, deputies and animal control officers executed a search warrant.

"Once inside the home, Animal Control officers discovered 33 dogs and five cats living among extensive amounts of feces and urine," the sheriff's office said. "The dogs were suffering from varying degrees of hair loss, mange, overgrown nails, injuries and neglect."

The animals were taken into protective custody except for one dog, the whereabouts of which are currently unknown.

Deputies arrested the homeowners, James A. Verrett, 66, and Nancy Verrett, 61, on 33 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. The Verretts were later released on bond.

"Cases involving this level of animal neglect are extremely difficult, both physically and emotionally, for everyone involved," said Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet. "Animal Control personnel were required to enter heartbreaking conditions, carefully remove each animal and begin the demanding process of securing the medical care they desperately need."