Agents arrest Lafayette man for aggravated cruelty to animals

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents arrested one man and cited two others Aug. 12 for their roles in alleged alligator violations in Avoyelles Parish.

Agents arrested Clayton Voorhies, 23, of Lafayette, for aggravated cruelty to animals and taking an alligator during a closed season. Agents also cited Joshua Walker, 22, of Lafayette, and Jules Walker, 55, of Effie, for illegal possession of an alligator.

Agents received a tip that the three men were frogging on the Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on June 1 when they caught and killed a small alligator.

Through the investigation agents were able to determine that Voorhies illegally killed about a foot-long alligator by biting its head off while with both of the Walkers. Voorhies was booked into the Avoyelles Parish Jail.

Aggravated cruelty to animals brings a $5,000 to $25,000 fine and one to 10 years in jail. Taking an alligator during a closed season and illegal possession of an alligator both carry a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Civil restitution for the illegally taken alligator is $375.