NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Owners forced to abandon dogs and cats -- allegedly shot later by Louisiana sheriff's deputies during Hurricane Katrina -- intend to sue, a report says.
An attorney representing the pet owners told the Los Angeles Times that more than 30 animals had been left at shelters in St. Bernard Parish during the evacuation on the assumption they would be cared for and not executed. Owners said they were prevented from taking their pets with them when they evacuated, and that the shelter appeared to have adequate food and water on hand.
The planned suit would allege destruction of property, failure to safeguard property and intentional infliction of emotional distress by the sheriff's deputies.
St. Bernard officials told the Times they had no knowledge of deputies shooting pets left at shelters.
