St. Landry Parish, La. (KLFY) -- Animal cruelty reports are called into law enforcement agencies all the time, but what constitutes actual cruelty according to the law?

News 10 spoke with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff-Elect Gary Driskell to find out the answer.

"It's so hard in what you might think. And what I think is two different things," said Driskell.

Driskell says there are many interpretations of what can be considered cruelty as many people have more passion for animals than others. According to the Louisiana State Legislature, which the sheriff's office enforces, animal cruelty can be defined as unjustified pain or suffering to an animal, abandonment of an animal, or neglecting to provide the proper necessities like food, water, and shelter.

Driskell said his department is looking to take influence from other parishes as their ordinances elaborate more on what is right and wrong specifically with outside shelters.

"We've been looking at some of those, and it goes into more detail as far as a shelter," said Driskell.

The department has partnered with the Humane Society of Louisiana to provide more insight on what can be considered the right and wrong way to look at animal cruelty situations and how to properly approach them.

"With the humane society, we know this gentleman, and he told us, 'Call me, I'll come out any time I'm available and I'll look at the animals with you and tell you if it's good or not good.' (It is) not that our guys aren't educated on it, but an extra set of eyes outside of law enforcement can only help us," said Driskell.

Driskell says his agency and others will continue to work and serve everyone in the area, including the companions we all love.

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