OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY)- An Opelousas woman has been charged with animal cruelty after she allegedly shot her pet llama that attacked her.

On February 15, 2019, deputies responded to Montgomery Road in Opelousas in reference to an animal attacking the owner.  

According to the report, Madeline Bourgeois was working in her pasture when her pet llama attacked her. 

“Bourgeois stated she hit the llama repeatedly in an attempt to stop the attack,” the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office said. “Once at the gate, she was finally able to exit the pasture, then went into her residence and retrieved her gun.”

 Bourgeois returned to the pasture and shot the llama, hitting it three times. 

Deputies were dispatched and upon arriving, observed the injured llama limping in the pasture.  Animal Control was contacted and took possession of the injured animal. 

The following day, Animal Control Director Stacey Alleman provided photos showing X-rays of the three bullets that were found in the llama.

 Due to the bullet locations in the body, the animal had to be taken to the LSU Veterinary Clinic in Baton Rouge.    

 “According to the law, Bourgeois had every right to defend herself while being attacked, but was no longer in danger after escaping the pasture,” Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said. “Ms. Bourgeois retrieved a gun and then returned and shot the llama, which constitutes the charge of felony cruelty to animals.  Bourgeois should have called a vet or animal control for assistance.”