I am Karen Evans, a Grand Coteau worker and animal welfare advocate. This petition reflects the collective concern and distress of my neighbors and me over the inhumane treatment of a Chocolate Lab named Zeus in this city.

Zeus is not just a dog; he is a living, breathing creature exposed to cruel neglect and deprivation of his basic needs for too long. His living condition is beyond deplorable - confined in a chicken coop, unable to move, surrounded by his own waste, and left to suffer through cold nights without adequate shelter. The sight of Zeus shivering in sub-zero temperatures last December still haunts me, and the upcoming high heat temperatures scares us that he will not survive the summer.

Our compassion propelled us to provide him with food and water when we could, but we were forbidden from doing so by the dog's owner. The offer to walk him was disregarded, mirroring the apathy shown to Zeus's plight. My friend P.J, who lives close to Zeus, corroborates the stench of suffering persistent in our surroundings.

Animal neglect is a type of animal cruelty and it's illegal in all 50 states, including Louisiana, where Zeus is suffering. Pets depend on their human owners for care - their food, their medical needs, their mental and physical well-being. Also, it is a federal and state law for a domestic animal to wear a collar with a rabies vaccination tag, which Zeus does not have.They also depend on laws to protect them when humans fail them. In Louisiana, animal neglect can result in significant fines and even imprisonment.

Therefore, we turn to you now, calling on your empathy and commitment to animal rights. We urge the relevant authorities to rescue Zeus, ensure his proper shelter, and provide him with the care he deserves. More so, we demand that Zeus be released to a safe and loving environment that will restore the joy in his canine heart.

Help us give a voice to Zeus. Sign this petition to demand that the Grand Coteau law enforcement, animal control, and prosecutors take immediate action in rescuing Zeus and holding those responsible accountable.