Snapchat video leads to animal cruelty arrest

Investigations by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries continue into an animal cruelty case regarding the killing of two raccoons at Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild.

A complainant submitted a video, which had been posted to the social media site Snapchat, to the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 11. It depicted the killing to two raccoons.

The sheriff’s office began an investigation into the video, spokesperson Traci Landry said.

The video revealed Bryce Beaubouef beating two raccoons to death with a blunt object, according to the arrest report from the sheriff’s office.

A warrant alleging aggravated cruelty to animals was issued for his arrest. Later, Beaubouef was released on a $5,000 personal surety bond.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that two teens were involved with the video.

Landry didn’t disclose details about what the video shows because it is evidence in the case.

According to state law, cruelty to animals is defined as any act or failure to act by which unjustifiable physical pain or suffering is caused or permitted.

Aggravated cruelty to animals is defined as intentionally or with criminal negligence tormenting, maiming or mutilating any living animal, whether or not it belongs to the perpetrator.

In addition, any person who intentionally or with criminal negligence mistreats an animal by any act or omission that causes or permits unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain, suffering, or death to the animal shall also be guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals.

The penalty for aggravated cruelty to an animal is a fine of $5,000 to $25,000 and one to 10 years in jail.

Wildlife and Fisheries is conducting a separate investigation. Any charges or citations issued by the state agency will be apart from the sheriff’s office action.