This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Veterinarian Kelly Folse was arrested on December 19, 2017, on an aggravated animal cruelty charge for the shooting of her neighbor's dog, Bruizer in Gretna, Louisiana. "This is crazy, a veterinarian shooting a dog of her next-door neighbor. This is nuts. I don't know how else to put it," Interim Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto commented on the incident. We couldn't agree more, and hope you won't stay silent about this crime!

On December 13, 2017, Stacey Fitzner left her dog Bruizer, a friendly 15-month-old American Bulldog, in the yard while she went to work. A relative passing by the home discovered Bruizer lying in his yard with a bullet wound to the back of his head. It was apparent that someone had pushed her gate open to gain access to Bruizer.

Bruizer was rushed to Abadie Veterinary Hospital in Harahan, but tragically did not survive. This actually was the clinic where his alleged murderer, Kelly Folse worked, but luckily she wasn’t present when Bruizer arrived. To some solace, this veterinarian, Kelly Folse, was subsequently fired.

Folse was additionally booked on charges for the illegal discharge of a firearm and two counts of drug possession. Undisclosed narcotics were found in Folse’s home when investigators searched for the weapon used to shoot Bruizer. Folse was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.

While this behavior was in no way justified, we ask that this tragedy serve as a warning to guardians of animals who are receiving complaints for behavioral issues. Sheriff Lopinto divulged that Stacey Fitzner introduced a series of hostile text messages and videos from Folse, who was complaining about Bruizer's constant barking and alleged aggression. The Sheriff’s report read, “Our investigators were not able to find any evidence that the dog had shown prior aggressive behavior, even after several interviews in the neighborhood.”

As advocates for animals, we remind guardians that complaints regarding the behavior of animals they take responsibility for should be resolved amicably and expeditiously. Bruizer’s senseless slaying might have been prevented if all steps had been taken to see that his barking was positively addressed.

What YOU Can Do

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.