Middleboro home condemned after 27 animals found in poor condition

MIDDLEBORO - Middleboro Town Officials say animal control officers removed 17 dogs and other animals living in absolute filth in a home in Middleboro. The house was in such poor condition that it was condemned for health and safety concerns.

The animals were found in the basement in desperate need of medical attention. "They were in cages in dog kennels with urine and feces inside the kennels. Without food and without water. Some were emaciated," Animal Control Officer Kevin Racicot said.

On Friday morning several agencies responded to the home on Precinct Street in Middleboro related to an animal welfare investigation. Over the past few weeks, town officials said they've received a number of anonymous complaints about the property and the treatment of animals.

Animal control says the dogs had not been fed for several days. "A majority were in filth and pretty thin," Racicot said. Town officials say the dogs' owner, who was not home at the time, did not have a kennel permit and the dogs were not registered with the town. The animals are now in the care of the MSPCA.

Home deemed a fire hazard

The fire department deemed the home a fire hazard. "In order to get into the house, we had to force entry and remove items from behind the door. In a fire situation we would not be able to rescue somebody," Fire Chief Owen Thompson said.

The home also had six horses in the backyard of the property. They've been removed and the MSPCA Law Enforcement Department is conducting a criminal warrant regarding the horses. Their conditions have not yet been determined.

Animal control also removed two cats, a turtle and guinea pig.

"Just a scary situation in the community that we take seriously," Town Manager Jay McGrail said. "Obviously everyone in our community cares a lot about their animals. You know, we're a farming community we take it pretty seriously."

Police have not filed any criminal charges yet, but they said the incident remains under investigation.

MSPCA caring for animals

The MSPCA volunteered to take all the animals so they could be kept together and have access to veterinary resources at Angell Medical Center.

The dogs will be housed in boarding space at Angell, something the MSPCA says it has never done before.

"We need to get creative to ensure these animals are able to get the care they need," MSPCA Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler said. "Our shelter capacity is tight, so we were forced to try something new to accommodate such a large and sudden intake."

The MSPCA said it is holding a fee waived adoptathon this week for all dogs aged one and older across its four shelters to free up space.