Middleboro Officials Seeking Donations, Volunteers to Help With Seized Dogs
MIDDLEBORO (WBSM) — Middleboro officials provided an update today on the ongoing animal cruelty investigation in town that resulted in 17 dogs being seized from a home, and put out the call for donations and volunteers to help care for the dogs.
On October 18, Middleboro Animal Control responded to 53 Precinct Street to execute a warrant as part of an ongoing animal welfare investigation. There, they found 17 dogs in need of medical care inside the home, including one in urgent need of attention.
Town officials said the dogs were all unregistered and “had no access to food or water and lived in filth.”
Horses, two cats, a turtle and a guinea pig were also part of the investigation.
READ MORE: Middleboro Home Condemned, 17 Dogs Rescued in Animal Welfare Investigation
The house was condemned because the Health Department determined it to be a health hazard. The Middleboro Fire Department also determined it was a fire hazard.
The Middleboro Police Department's investigation remains active and ongoing.
Today, the Middleboro Animal Shelter received nine of the dogs taken from the home, which puts the shelter at capacity for the number of dogs it can care for at one time.
The Middleboro Animal Shelter is requesting donations of dry Purina One dog food, any type of wet dog food, metal water buckets (six, nine of 12 quarts) and dog beds (any size, but larger and elevated ones are best).
In addition, the shelter is seeking 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,” town officials said in a release. “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 Kayla Smith said. "We want to be able to help the dogs socialize and feel loved in our care."
The Middleboro 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.
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