Louisiana has been rocked by a shocking case of alleged bestiality and child cruelty after a couple, both in their 20s, were arrested on Wednesday (June 24). In May 2026, Phillip Babin, 28, reportedly struck a child in the face with a curtain rod, which led to injuries.
Following an investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Babin’s arrest for second-degree cruelty to a juvenile. He was arrested on May 15 and was subsequently released after posting bail in the amount of $50,000 (£37,828). As the investigation continued, detectives obtained a search warrant for Babin and Hailey Mire’s residence. During the search, they recovered several digital devices allegedly belonging to Mire, 34, and Babin, which contained horrific videos of sexual acts involving a dog.
Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for Babin and Mire. On June 17, 2026, they were arrested and booked on the warrants into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Babin was charged with 36 counts of sexual abuse of an animal in addition to his initial charge of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile. His bail was set at $360,000 (£273,360).
Mire was charged with 47 counts of sexual abuse of an animal and obstruction of justice. Her bail was set at $520,000 (£393,409), according to Sheriff Craig Webre of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The press release notes that the couple are presumed innocent until proved guilty.
According to the Louisiana State Legislature, a criminal conviction of second-degree cruelty to juveniles “shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than forty years”.
Meanwhile, in Louisiana, bestiality is prosecuted under state animal cruelty and crimes against nature statutes. Depending on the circumstances and the harm caused to the animal, a conviction can result in a felony charge, with prison sentences ranging from one to 10 years of hard labour and fines of up to $25,000 (£18,909).
If you have been affected by any themes in this story, you can call Rape Crisis for free 24 hours a day on 0808 500 2222. You can also visit the website to start a free online chat.
