A video showing Cole Prevost of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, abusing his dog has sparked widespread outrage and led to the arrest of three teenagers. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests following an investigation that began on July 27, 2023, when a disturbing video of animal cruelty surfaced online.
The video, which quickly went viral on social media, depicts a young man violently hitting his brown Labrador in a pond, allegedly because the dog failed to retrieve a duck during a hunting trip. In the footage, Cole Prevost can be heard shouting at the dog and threatening to “burn” it again. The incident reportedly occurred in early 2023.
Who Is Cole Prevost?
The investigation identified three 15-year-old boys from Ponchatoula involved in the incident. One teenager has been charged with animal cruelty, while the other two have been charged with being principals to animal cruelty for recording the abuse and failing to intervene. The arrests were made at their homes after detectives confirmed the incident took place in the Manchac area.
The video of Cole Prevost abusing his dog has ignited anger among social media users, with many expressing their disgust and calling for justice. A social media user explained the video, saying, “I see you took all of your social media accounts down. That won’t help you. The world needs to know what you did and you will pay for it.”
Another user wrote, “I can’t watch the Cole Prevost video of him beating a dog till the dog could no longer cry. But I pray fate kicks his a–,” while another commented, “If I ever ran into Cole Prevost in person I would literally beat his skull in. Animal abusers have no place on Earth.”
The outrage has led to a petition demanding the removal of the dog from Prevost’s home and a thorough investigation. The petition states, “The video posted online provides compelling evidence that any animals in the presence of Cole Prevost are in grave danger. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further harm.”
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has asked the public to allow the case to proceed through the legal system without taking matters into their own hands. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue emphasized the importance of trusting the authorities to handle the investigation.
In a news release, Rodrigue stated, “The arrests were made after the Sheriff’s Office was made aware of the video on social media that shows a male abusing a dog on what appeared to be a hunting trip.” She also confirmed that the dog was found in healthy condition and is no longer in the presence of the teens involved.
As the legal process unfolds, the identities of the teenagers have not been disclosed due to their minor status. The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident, ensuring that justice is served and that the well-being of the dog is protected.
The case has drawn significant attention, with the viral video amassing thousands of shares and interactions across various social media platforms. An online petition related to the incident has garnered nearly 30,000 signatures, reflecting the public’s demand for accountability and swift action.
The community remains vigilant, with many advocating for stricter penalties for animal cruelty and greater awareness about the importance of humane treatment of animals. As the story develops, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the abused dog and preventing similar incidents in the future.