Dead And Abused Animals Found At Rochester Farm

Rochester Police have confirmed a major bust on Walnut Plain Road in Rochester.

A farm in "deplorable" conditions with sick and dead animals was raided last night in Rochester.  Twenty three animals in all were found at 953 Walnut Plain Road...including pigs (pictured above), cows, goats (below), and rabbits...all living in horrendous conditions.

The animals lacked adequate food and shelter, were housed in pens filled with mud, garbage and feces, all appeared to be malnourished, many were sick and one baby cow was found dead on the property. The pigs were being fed co-mingled garbage which did not appear to have been cooked first as required by law. Two unlicensed dogs were also located on the property.  A dead baby cow was taken from the scene.  --Rochester Police Department

A veterinarian called to the scene confirmed that the animals were all suffering from neglect and were in various degrees of suffering. She felt that some of the animals were near death and that one baby cow would likely die overnight.

The property owner, 41 year-old Daniel Pacheco, arrived during the raid and confirmed that the animals belonged to him.  He was charged with 21 counts of animal cruelty, a felony.  He appeared in Wareham District Court this morning.  Each count carries a 7 year sentence in state prison.

All of the living animals, with the exception of the pigs, were removed from the property.  The pigs were quarantined per state law.

"I could not believe the conditions I saw at this location, it was horrendous."   --Rochester Police Chief Paul Magee