GREENSBURG — A St. Helena Parish man who was caught on video killing a horse was arrested for animal cruelty on Thursday.

Donald Ridgedell, 50, who is currently employed by the St. Helena Parish Police Jury as a mechanic, allegedly shot the animal believing it was sick. The horse, named Buster, ultimately died from its injuries.

WBRZ spoke with Kelly Bass, the man who filmed the video. He said that he acted as the horse's caretaker for the last five years after it was abandoned and pleaded for Ridgedell not to kill the horse. 

Bass said he called the St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office to intervene more than two hours before the horse was shot, but no deputies arrived. 

Bass said that Ridgedell was driving a parish-owned vehicle during the ordeal. 

The police jury announced Wednesday that those involved in the video—which has since been removed from social media—were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a full investigation.

Ridgedell was booked into the St. Helena Parish Jail on charges of felon possession of a firearm and aggravated cruelty to animals.

Jeff Dorson, Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, issued a response to the video 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.”

This is a developing story.