The Lafourche Parish Drug Task Force raided a home in Houma, Louisiana owned by the Chauvin family, the Daily Mail reports. The drug raid led the police to the discovery of not only a meth laboratory, but also a house filled with 133 cats. Authorities had been planning to raid the house after one of its inhabitants had two active warrants on his head.
The Chauvin family, consisting of Sandy, 60 years old, and her two sons, Christian, who’s 43, and Nicholas, who’s 35. All three of them were arrested on January 13.
According to the police report, the house was filled with cat feces. The overall sanitation was so bad that it was completely shocking that not only did the family managed to survive in such a squalid shelter, but they also took care of 133 cats.
Police removed all of the cats from the filthy property in days. The house was already targeted for suspicious and potential drug activities. When they raided the house, police found a laboratory used to produce methamphetamine.
The task force also discovered seven dead cats hidden among the unsanitary mess. They found five cats that appeared to be suffering from “serious health issues and injuries.”
All of the cats had to be taken to the Lafourche Parish Animal Shelter. The kittens had to be euthanized first due to the filthy condition they were in.
The house, located at 160 Sandy Lane, was apparently building a monument of fecal matter inside. The police report stated that there was “a large amount of fecal matter discovered through the residence.”
The mother, Sandy, was arrested for five counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. She managed to get herself released after posting bail of $40,000. Christian, the older son, was also released after posting his bond of $50,000.
Nicholas was arrested for distribution of methamphetamine. Prior to the bust, Nicholas was already wanted by the police, as he had two active warrants for his arrest. He was also released from jail after posting a $85,000 bond.
According to the police report, both Christian and Nicholas were charged with creation or operation of a clandestine laboratory for the Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
The police didn’t find out how the cats managed to survive living in such an unhealthy environment. The collection of feces was possibly encouraged or allowed by the family to cover the smell of the production of meth. It could also drive away potential solicitors or anyone who would just come near the house.
