NEMASKET WEEK: Help needed for dogs removed from Precinct Street, back in Middleboro BACK IN TOWN OCT 25

 

Help needed for dogs removed from Precinct Street, back in Middleboro

Sandy Quadros Bowles 

editor@nemasketweek.com

Oct 24, 2024

Many of the dogs removed from 53 Precinct St. in Middleboro will return to town Friday, Oct. 25. Photo source: MSPCA-Angell Hospital

Arlo, one of the dogs already at the shelter unrelated to the Precinct Street case, is available for adoption. The four-year-old lab mix has high drive, high food motivation, loves walks, has some anxiety issues and needs to be the only dog in the home. Photo source: Town of Middleboro

Boone, also available for adoption immediately, is a three-year-old yellow lab that loves walks, has high anxiety and would do best as an only dog and around older kids and adults. Photo source: Town of Middleboro

Brody is a year-old Plott hound that is smart, friendly, athletic and good with kids, with high drive and high food motivation. Photo source: Town of Middleboro

Terri is a six-year-old terrier/pit mix that is good with new people and kids and needs to be an only dog. Photo source: Town of Middleboro

NEMASKET WEEK

MIDDLEBORO — Most of the 17 dogs removed from a 53 Precinct St. home last week will be back in town Friday, Oct. 25 and donations are being sought for their care.

The dogs, which were removed as part of an animal welfare investigation, spent the past week in the custody of MSPCA-Angell, where they were evaluated on their health and behavior, Middleboro Health Agent Kayla Smith said.

The dogs had gone without food and water for days and were living in filth when they were rescued Oct. 18, officials said. An investigation is ongoing into the case, which also involved removing cats, horses, a turtle and a guinea pig.

Now that they have been medically cleared, seven to 10 of the dogs will be transported to the Middleboro animal shelter at 50 Joe Ciaglo Way. 

The remainder will be cared for at foster homes that will take them in, Smith said.

The dogs cannot be adopted until the investigation is complete. 

In the meantime, donations are being requested to help the dogs. Items needed include dry Purina One dog food, any type of wet dog food, metal dog bowls and dog beds, preferably large sizes that are elevated. 

These donations can be left in the bin outside the shelter.

Cash donations will also be accepted. They may be brought to the Health Department, located on the second floor of Town Hall annex, 20 Center St. 

Another way to make extra room for the canines would be to adopt the four shelter dogs, unconnected to the Precinct Street case, that are available. “Clearing up space would be awesome,’’ Smith said. 

Volunteers are also needed, Smith added, to help feed, walk, play with or otherwise help the dogs become acclimated to people. 

“Anything they’re willing to do, we’re open to,’’ she said. Anyone interested in volunteering may call 508-946-2455.

Smith described the dogs removed from Precinct Street as “scared’’ “nervous’’ and “unsure’’ but also “really enjoying being with each other.’’

“We’re really excited to get them here,’’ Smith said.

Middleboro officials rescue 17 neglected dogs without access to food, water. What we know

Amelia Stern

The Enterprise

(This story was updated to add new information and photos.)

MIDDLEBORO — The Middleboro Health Department removed more than a dozen dogs in dire need of medical care and condemned the house they were living in Friday, according to Town Manager Jay McGrail and Health Agent Kayla Smith.

On Friday, Oct. 18, Middleboro Animal Control executed a warrant at 53 Precinct St. as part of an ongoing animal welfare investigation. The MSPCA Law Enforcement Department executed a criminal warrant related to horses on the property at the same time, according to a press release Friday from McGrail and Smith.

Inside the home, animal control officers discovered 17 unregistered dogs living in unsanitary conditions without access to food or water. One dog, in urgent need of care, was promptly removed and is now under the supervision of Animal Control, according to the press release.

According to the press release, plans were in place to remove the remaining 16 dogs, along with two cats, a turtle and a guinea pig, with the assistance of additional agencies, including Wareham Animal Control.

Later in the day Friday, officials could be seen removing more of the dogs, carrying them in their arms out of the house.

Due to health and fire hazards, the Middleboro Health Department condemned the residence.

Have criminal charges been filed?

The Middleboro Police Department has not filed any criminal charges, but the investigation is ongoing, officials said Friday.

THE ENTERPRISE