Dear Sheriff Stephens,

I write in goodwill, with hope and respect for communities rebuilding in the aftermath of Katrina and Rita. However, I am distressed about the lack of legal action in the execution-style shooting of 33 dogs and cats inside St. Bernard Parish Schools last October.

As you know, rising floodwaters forced families to take refuge at these schools. Upon further evacuation, people were ordered to leave their pets behind. They scratched notes on the schools' walls: “Please save our dogs. We love them.”

But despite the presence of food, water, collars, ID tags, and contact information, these companion animals were later found tethered and shot at close range. Amid the carnage, investigators spotted shell casings consistent with the type law enforcers use.

Grieving families have patiently awaited answers from the St. Bernard Sheriff's Office and Louisiana State Attorney General's Office. Yet the case appears to be at a standstill.

Pasado's Safe Haven, the animal rescue group that gathered evidence for the Attorney General's Office, requested photos of Sheriff's Deputies associated with St. Bernard Sheriff's Office in the wake of Katrina. The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, told Pasado: “...For reasons I cannot reveal, I was unable to procure photos to show any of the evacuees.”

Pasado investigators, who gathered shell casings for forensics specialists and transported bodies to Louisiana State Veterinary Teaching Hospital for necropsies, now seek photos directly from the St. Bernard Sheriff. They have filed a public records request, utilizing a state law similar to the federal Freedom of Information Act.

Sheriff Stephens, please respond to Pasado's request with a complete photo lineup of all St. Bernard Parish Deputy Sheriffs. These photos are vital in helping evacuees identify potential suspects. I urge you to grant Pasado's request for public records, as part of your comprehensive effort to investigate, prosecute and seek the conviction of individual(s) involved in the brutal shooting of evacuees' pets.

Thank you for your cooperation in a disturbing case that has gained international attention.

Sincerely,