MIDDLEBOROUGH — Town Manager Jay McGrail, Health Agent Kayla Smith, and Animal Control Officer Kevin Racicot wish to provide an update on the Town’s ongoing animal welfare investigation, which resulted in 17 dogs being seized from a home on Oct. 18.
On Friday, Oct. 25, the Middleborough Animal Shelter received nine of the dogs taken from a home on Precinct Street last week. This puts the shelter at capacity for the number of dogs being cared for. Eight of the dogs remain in the MSPCA’s care.
The Town is now seeking the public’s help through donations and volunteers.
The Middleborough Animal Shelter is requesting the following donations:
- Dry Purina One dog food
- Any type of wet dog food
- Metal water buckets (6, 9, or 12-quart)
- Dog beds (any size, but larger and elevated ones are best)
The animal shelter also seeks volunteers to help walk and socialize the dogs. The dogs are currently recovering well and are mostly nervous and timid while learning a new environment.
The dogs are not currently up for adoption as they are being held during the ongoing police investigation.
“If you love animals, you are a perfect fit to volunteer and help us as we nurse these dogs to recovery,” Health Director Smith said. “We want to be able to help the dogs socialize and feel loved in our care.”
The Middleborough Animal Shelter is located at 50 Joe Ciaglo Way. Donations, including cash, can be delivered in person. To volunteer, call 508-946-2455 or email Animal Control Officer Racicot at kracicot@middleboroughma.gov.
On Friday, Oct. 18, Middleborough Animal Control responded to 53 Precinct St. to execute an administrative warrant as part of an animal welfare investigation.
The MSPCA Law Enforcement Department simultaneously executed a criminal warrant regarding horses on the property.
Animal Control officers located 17 dogs needing medical care inside the home. The unregistered dogs had no access to food or water and lived in filth.
One dog needing urgent medical attention was immediately removed from the house. The Health Department later removed the other 16 dogs from the house with the support of additional agencies, including Wareham Animal Control. They also removed two cats, a turtle, and a guinea pig found inside the home.
The Middleborough Health Department condemned the house because it was a health hazard, and the Middleborough Fire Department determined it to be a fire hazard.
The Middleborough Police Department’s investigation remains active and ongoing.
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