GREENSBURG — Those involved in a video showing an employee of the St. Helena Parish Police Jury shooting a horse have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a full investigation, the police jury said Wednesday.

Quanika Muse, President of the St. Helena Parish Police Jury, put out a statement saying after officials learned of the "deeply disturbing video circulating on social media," they referred the matter to the St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office for an independent review of possible criminal violations.

"While an investigation is necessary to gather all the facts surrounding this incident, I want to make one thing completely clear: what is shown in that video was not done right, and it does not represent the standards, values, or protocols of St. Helena Parish government," Muse said.

Parish administration also said it is conducting a complete review of personnel policies and animal control procedures. 

Jeff Dorson, Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, issued a statement saying that the "horrific incident is the inevitable symptom of a systemic, multi-year failure by parish leadership." Dorson cited the lack of basic animal control services and a public sheltering facility in the parish.

“The mistreatment, abandonment, and cruelty of animals in St. Helena Parish has been going on for years, often unchecked,” said Jeff Dorson, Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana. “While we appreciate President Muse’s swift response and her acknowledgment that this behavior does not represent parish values, a statement and an administrative leave policy are not enough. When the local government operates without animal control officers, proper oversight, or a facility to protect vulnerable creatures, it fosters a culture of impunity. This tragedy was waiting to happen.”

Officials said they will provide further updates when additional verified details become available.