Houma Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty and Assault on Deputies

November 17, 2025

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet announced the arrest of Gene Eddie Theriot, 51, of Houma, following a Cruelty to Animals complaint reported early Sunday morning.

Shortly before 9:00 a.m., deputies responded to Maw Maw Court after neighbors reported seeing a male suspect punch and throw a dog onto the ground, during a disturbance.  When deputies arrived, a male suspect emerged from the residence yelling at neighbors and refused commands to calm down, who was later identified as Gene Eddie Theriot.  Theriot then aggressively approached a deputy, leading to a struggle in which Theriot struck a deputy in the head.  Deputies deployed a Taser 10, during the attempted arrest, allowing them to gain control and place him in custody.

Theriot continued to resist, kicking and head-butting deputies as they attempted to secure him in a patrol unit.  Medical personnel responded to the scene, and medical treatment was given to Theriot and the deputies, for minor injuries.

During the investigation, deputies learned that Theriot reportedly became enraged after the dog defecated inside the home, prompting him to throw the dog onto the concrete outside. Deputies located the animal and did not observe visible injuries at the time.  A witness later reported seeing Theriot throw the dog with such force that it appeared to be unable to move, followed by Theriot allegedly punching the animal multiple times.

Deputies found no evidence that Theriot had physically harmed the female at the residence, despite the disturbance.

Theriot was arrested on charges of Cruelty to Animals, two counts of Resisting an Officer by Force or Violence, and two counts of Battery of a Police Officer.  He remains jailed at the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on a $45,000 bond set by local judges.

Sheriff Tim Soignet said, “The actions described in this case are deeply troubling and will not be tolerated in our parish.  Our deputies responded swiftly and professionally under very difficult circumstances, and their actions ensured the safety of everyone involved, including the animal. We will always do what is necessary to ensure justice in cases where both people and animals are subjected to abuse or violence.”

ALL ARRESTED PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

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