Unable to locate Meiko late that night, they put up signs in their neighborhood and went on social media, posting a picture of her, offering a reward. The next day, their search for Meiko continued, this time aided by Mrs. Vidrine's parents, who also live in Eunice.
The search party asked neighbors about the missing dog, including Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Arabie. The couple answered that Meiko had wandered up to the steps of their home.
Mr. Arabie admitted to fatally shooting the dog and disposed it in his trash bin. When asked why he took such drastic action, Mr. Arabie said Meiko was causing his own dogs to bark.
Jacquelyn Arabie, in protecting her husband, claims that because other animals have come onto their farm in the past and hurt their dogs, they felt that this dog was unwanted and just a stray, and they did nothing wrong. Mrs. Arabie said, "I tried to shoo it away." They also admit that they thought the dog was deaf. So, instead of taking this poor old deaf dog in and calling for help, or trying to locate the owners, the farmer murdered him on the spot. - petition at change.org
The family called deputies, but they handled it by telling the family that there was nothing they can do since the dog was already in the trash and trash had been picked up. They left even though the farmer admitted to his crime. The pug had been thrown into the trash the trash was taken away before the family learned of his whereabouts. - petition at change.org
I then contacted the Landry Sheriffs office demanding to speak to the Sheriff in charge as to why nothing had been done. I was put through to Sheriff Bobby Guidroz directly and was shocked to learn he had not even heard of this crime happening. "I am an animal lover myself and was not told of this. No report was filed." He was very concerned that he had not been told about the situation and that it had not been properly handled. He said he would take immediate action and that the farmer would be arrested on animal cruelty charges. Guidroz said he would call me back to update me. He did about an hour later. Guidroz says he and deputies will be arriving on the farmers property 9:30 am tomorrow April 13. - petition at change.org
Police were contacted and detectives visited the crime scene to investigate. Mr. Arabie was issued a summons for aggravated cruelty to animals, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine up to $25,000.
"We are grateful that Sheriff Guidroz, a professed pet lover, personally got involved in this matter and asked some of his senior staff members to lead the investigation," Jeff Dorson, HSL Director, said. "I think the community will be relieved to know that their sheriff is accessible when needed and handles these types of calls promptly, efficiently and professionally." - petition at change.org
The Humane Society of Louisiana has also partnered with Toney Wade, a well-known humane investigator from St. Mary Parish, who will lead a series of animal cruelty investigation workshops around the state. The first class will be hosted by the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office on April 25th. The class is open to all law enforcement officials or animal control officers. For more information on this and other classes, please contact Mr. Wade at toneywade@gmail.com.
Last night the sheriff of St Landry Parish issued a summons to Leroy Arabie for aggravated cruelty to animals and is to appear in court this morning on felony charges.
You all made this happen. Thank you for sharing the story promptly and taking action for Meiko. Justice will be served in Louisiana. We will tell everyone that just because you live in a rural area does not give you the right to go around shooting whoever you feel like. Thank you Sheriff Bobby Guidroz for your compassion and hard work! - change.org petition
(KALB - Apr 15, 2016)
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