Sign: 28 Dogs Found Starving and Injured in Dogfighting Ring Run by Mother and Son

Published: May 27, 2025 at 10:33 AM Author: PENNY EIMS

Folsom, Louisiana – A mother and her son are accused of harming more than two dozen dogs who were forced to endure the unimaginable cruelty of dogfighting. According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, a good Samaritan flagged down deputies on May 12, alerting them to potential animal abuse at a property in the 12000 block of South Hay Hollow Road near Folsom.

Deputies, working together with St. Tammany Parish Animal Control personnel, found 28 pit bulls who were forced into a living nightmare by Austin Alexander (23) and his 45-year-old mother, Natia Alexander. The authorities described the dogs as “severely malnourished” and suffering from wounds consistent with dogfighting.

These animals were not pets. They were victims—bred and trained for bloodshed. For them, life meant pain, starvation, and being forced to fight or die. The people who profited from their suffering showed no mercy and no humanity.

In a news release, the authorities described the additional dogfighting paraphernalia found at the Alexander property:

“Deputies located training equipment and medication commonly associated with the practice of dogfighting and an illegal machine pistol.”

Dogs born into a life of dogfighting know nothing but violence and pain. They are encouraged to be vicious; they are trained to kill. The greedy people who force dogs into this despicable, cruel life do not care about the pain the dogs endure, and they do not care about the dogs who are maimed and killed. They care only about the money they can make from the dog fights.

Sheriff Randy Smith said,

“Dogfighting and training dogs to fight is illegal and is a horrific and egregious act of animal cruelty. It will not be tolerated in our parish, and if you are caught fighting dogs or training dogs to fight, you will be arrested.”

We must ensure those words are backed by action.

Austin Alexander (23) was arrested and was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on 28 counts of L. R.S. 14:102.5 Dogfighting; Training and Possession of Dogs for Fighting.

Natia Alexander (45) was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on 28 counts of L.R.S. 14:24/102.5, which is Principal to Dogfighting, training, and Possession of Dogs for Fighting.

Dogfighting has NO place in society. If you are disgusted by the hell Austin Alexander and his mother, Natia Alexander, put these dogs through, please add your name to the petition and help Animal Victory fight for justice. These people need to be held accountable for the pain, suffering, and death they caused!

Target: District Attorney J. Collin Sims

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Austin Alexander and his mother, Natia Alexander, be held accountable for forcing dogs into the violent, cruel life of dogfighting. Their actions must be met with the harshest consequences to ensure they can never inflict such horror again. Dogfighting is a felony across all states, and every operation uncovered by law enforcement must be prosecuted to the fullest extent to send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated. We do not want to see a paltry slap-on-the-wrist for this pair; we want significant prison time, and a lifetime ban on owning or residing with animals.

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold these individuals accountable not only denies justice for the innocent dogs forced into a life of violence and pain but also endangers the community at large. We must send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

Note: St. Tammany Parish Animal Services took in the seized dogs.

News:

Sheriff’s Office Official Press Release

WWL New Orleans

WDSU

Update 7/9/2025: This case is still being reviewed by the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s office to determine what charges will be filed.  A Bill of Information has not yet been submitted and therefore, case numbers and assignment of a prosecutor has not yet been completed.  Austin Alexander posted a commercial bond of $75,000 (13% had to be posted), and Natia posted 13% of a $25,000 bond.  Conditions of the bond is that they cannot have any animals associated with either of their residence or on the land where the 28 dogs were kept.  Austin Alexander’s arraignment is scheduled for 10/07/2025 and Natia Alexander’s arraignment is scheduled for 09/16/2025.

Update – May 29, 2025:
Animal Victory is actively working with the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office to determine the status of the case. We are trying to confirm whether it has been officially transferred for prosecution or remains under investigation. Austin Alexander faces 28 felony counts of dog fighting. His mother, Natia Alexander, is charged with 28 felony counts as a principal to dog fighting.