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Duson Today
By the People, for the People
Duson community holds memorial fundraiser after dogs shot and killed
Friends, family and community members gathered to remember two dogs and raise awareness about animal cruelty
Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:53pm
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The vibrant memorial fundraiser for Buddy and Poopa brought the Duson community together to honor the dogs and raise awareness about animal cruelty.Duson TodayA Duson, Louisiana community held a memorial fundraiser after the owner's two dogs, Buddy and Poopa, were shot and killed. The event served as both a memorial for the dogs and a fundraiser benefiting local animal rescue organizations. The owner, Gerald Trahan, is continuing to pursue the case through the legal system as the investigation moves forward.
Why it matters
The tragic loss of the dogs has devastated the community, but Trahan hopes to turn his grief into action to help raise awareness about animal cruelty and support local animal rescue groups to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The details
Trahan says his two dogs, Buddy and Poopa, were more than just pets - they were family. The loss has been devastating, but Trahan is channeling his grief into action by organizing the memorial and fundraiser. Authorities say Damon Labbe, the man accused of shooting the dogs, was arrested earlier this month but has since bonded out of jail. Trahan is continuing to pursue the case through the legal system and is also seeking civil action.
- The memorial and fundraiser were organized on March 29, 2026.
- Damon Labbe was arrested earlier this month for the shooting.
The players
Gerald Trahan
The owner of the two dogs, Buddy and Poopa, who were shot and killed. Trahan organized the memorial and fundraiser to honor his pets and raise awareness about animal cruelty.
Buddy
A golden retriever dog owned by Gerald Trahan, who was shot and killed.
Poopa
A rat terrier dog owned by Gerald Trahan, who was shot and killed.
Damon Labbe
The man accused of shooting and killing Trahan's two dogs. Labbe was arrested earlier this month but has since bonded out of jail.
What they’re saying
“They were family.”
— Gerald Trahan, Dog owner
“I couldn't believe it happened. Like a dream. I couldn't believe what was happening.”
— Gerald Trahan, Dog owner
“Everywhere I go, they would see me with my dogs. They were right in the back seat. When I'd go grocery shopping or to the crawfish ponds, they'd come with me.”
— Gerald Trahan, Dog owner
“I don't want this to happen to other dogs. If we can save one, then we accomplished our goal.”
— Gerald Trahan, Dog owner
“They would say, 'Don't shoot me. I'm the one that was there planting your rice. Don't shoot me. I helped work on your crawfish boat. Don't shoot me,'”
— Gerald Trahan, Dog owner
What’s next
Trahan says he is continuing to pursue the case through the legal system as the investigation moves forward and is also seeking civil action.
The takeaway
This tragic incident has galvanized the Duson community to come together and honor the memory of Buddy and Poopa, while also raising awareness about animal cruelty and supporting local animal rescue organizations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
