Cruelty Charge Dropped Against Swamp Tour Guide

One charge has been dropped, but a swamp tour guide admitted to a misdemeanor violation for illegal possession of an alligator.

The investigation into the tour guide from Breaux Bridge began after a You Tue video showed him striking the head of an alligator with a boat oar while those on the tour looked on.

Group members belonging to PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, sent the You Tube video to state and parish officials, asking them to look into the situation.

Chief prosecutor for St. Martin Parish, Chester Cedars, says Bryan Champagne was fined $250 plus court costs on the possession charge.

Cedars says the charge of cruelty to animals was dropped because investigators didn't think they had enough evidence to support that charge.