MIDDLEBORO, Mass. — 17 dogs and six malnourished horses were rescued after investigators found them abandoned from a Middleboro home Friday.
Middleboro Animal Control initially arrived at the Precinct Street home to execute an administrative warrant as part of an animal welfare investigation. At the same time, the MSPCA Office of Law Enforcement executed a criminal warrant regarding horses on the property.
Town officials said the dogs found in the basement of the home were caged, without food or water and covered in filth.
One dog in need of emergency treatment was removed from the home and placed in the custody of Animal Control. The remaining 16 dogs will be removed with the help of other organizations, including Wareham Animal Control.
Neighbor Gillian told Boston 25 that the six horses were so hungry that they ate part of the stable.
She shared a video of the horse and its makeshift stable. She said the horse had horseshoe marks, which was proof, and Gillian said boredom and hunger caused the horses to fight each other.
“They were tearing through the boards that kept them isolated, and now they’re all together,” Gillian explained. “So they’re beating each other up and can’t relax.”
One town official said this was the worst case of animal cruelty he had seen in years.
“This is the worst in the two years I’ve been here,” Animal Control Officer Kevin Racicot said. “They were kept in cages and kennels, and there was urine and feces in the kennels. No food, no water. They were emaciated, some very emaciated. Some were in better condition. But most of them were dirty and quite thin.”
“It’s so heartbreaking. I have horses myself and I know how they shouldn’t be cared for and that’s not right,” Gillian said.
Two cats, a turtle and a guinea pig found inside the house will also be removed.
The home was condemned after the Middleboro Health Department deemed it a health hazard. The Middleboro Fire Department also said the building was a fire hazard.
All dogs will be housed in Angell’s boarding space, something the MSPCA says has never been done before.
“We have to get creative to make sure these animals get the care they need,” said MSPCA Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler. “Our shelter capacity is strained, so we were forced to try something new to accommodate such a large and sudden evacuation.”
No criminal charges have been filed against the homeowner at this time, but the investigation remains active and ongoing.
If you are interested in donating to help affected animals, please donate at mspca.org/middle.
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