BOSTON, Feb. 3, 2015 – The MSPCA-Angell’s Law Enforcement department today announced it has filed 14 counts of felony animal cruelty against Shirley and Edward Aguiar of Westminster, Mass. for subjecting the Dachshunds in their care to unnecessary suffering.
Seventy one of the dogs were voluntarily surrendered to the MSPCA on Jan. 5. The dogs were underweight and matted and some were coated in urine and feces. Many of the dogs were living outside, with cages that provided little protection from the elements.
The couple is facing seven counts each for subjecting the dogs to unnecessary suffering and failure to provide a sanitary environment. An arraignment date has not been set but is expected to be announced by the Gardner District Court.
Animal cruelty is a felony crime in Massachusetts, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement team works with the organization’s adoption centers, hospital and advocacy experts to investigate animal abuse in Massachusetts. In 2014 the department investigated over 2,000 animal cruelty complaints around the Commonwealth. Readers can click here if they would like to donate to the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement department as it investigates alleged animal cruelty cases.
###
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions from individuals who care about animals. Please visitwww.mspca.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mspcaangell
