Cops say they busted three people in the Covington area after a tip.
“Three individuals were arrested, and 16 dogs were rescued during the execution of a search warrant,” Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni explained in a news release.
She says the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Proactive Enforcement Unit received an anonymous call about a wanted subject.
Deputies responded to the 79000 block of Barker Road.
“They located and seized six firearms, along with small amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine and hydrocodone.”
Carboni says they also found the animals.
“Detectives also discovered 16 severely malnourished dogs, ranging in age from puppies to adults, on the property. All animals were removed and turned over to St. Tammany Parish Animal Services for care and evaluation.”
They arrested the homeowner, Clinton Hathcox. He is charged with multiple counts of drug possession, felon in possession of a firearm, animal cruelty and other crimes.
Christin Hanson and Anastasia Hathcox also face charges.
“Our deputies and detectives work tirelessly to protect both our residents and animals from dangerous and inhumane conditions,” said Sheriff Randy Smith. “This case highlights the importance of community tips and the swift action taken by our personnel to hold offenders accountable.”
