Two Arrested Near Folsom After Dog Fight Training Operation Located

A concerned resident flagged down St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office deputies Monday (May 12, 2025) afternoon to report 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, located on the property 28 suspected pit bull dogs, all of which appeared to be extremely malnourished. Most of the animals exhibited signs of having been involved in dogfighting. Also on the property, deputies located training equipment and medication commonly associated with the practice of dogfighting and an illegal machine pistol. St. Tammany Parish Animal Control took possession of the dogs. 

Arrested were 23-year-old Austin Alexander of Folsom and his 45-year-old mother, Natia Alexander.  Austin Alexander 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 was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on 28 counts of L.R.S. 14:24/102.5 Principle to Dogfighting; Training and Possession of Dogs for Fighting.

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