“Conrad” Found Emaciated and with Broken Bones That Healed Improperly, Without Veterinary Care
BOSTON, Aug. 18, 2023 – The MSPCA’s Law Enforcement Division announced today that it filed two counts of felony animal cruelty against Yarras P. Fletcher from Greenfield and a further two counts against Aliah K. Rivera from Greenfield on behalf of Conrad, a roughly five-and-a-half-year-old Pit Bull mix.
The MSPCA was brought into the case on July 12 by Greenfield Police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Witnesses called the police after finding Conrad in need of immediate medical attention. When officers arrived at the home, they found Conrad to be severely emaciated and brought him to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office dog shelter.
MSPCA Law Enforcement Officer William Loiselle took the lead on the investigation and, along with Greenfield Police, interviewed witnesses who claimed to have seen Conrad repeatedly beaten, kicked, and hit with a blunt instrument in the past. Conrad was surrendered to the MSPCA’s care on July 24.
The investigation is ongoing and the arraignment of Fletcher and Rivera is pending. Criminal charges are based on probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
MSPCA Law Enforcement would like to thank Greenfield Police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation and assistance in this case.
Conrad Looks Ahead to a Brighter Future
Veterinarians in the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center clinic evaluated Conrad shortly after his arrival and discovered a litany of health issues.
“It appears that Conrad’s rear left leg, tibia and fibula were all broken in the past and never treated, so they healed on their own,” explained MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs, Mike Keiley. “We also found 20 small rocks in his stomach, which luckily have passed on their own and didn’t need to be surgically removed.”
“Conrad was also incredibly skinny when he came to us,” Keiley expounded. “On a scale of one to nine, with one being extremely emaciated and nine being obese, he was only a two.” As a result, Conrad was put on a careful re-feeding plan and has slowly regained the weight he needs.
While in the care of the MSPCA, Conrad also had much needed dental surgery and treatment for his skin and ears.
“This dog came to us with a host of issues, but since he’s been in our care, we’ve made sure he’s gotten the treatment he needs to get back to a healthy weight, and now he’s ready to find the loving home he deserves.”
Conrad’s Next Steps
“Conrad exemplifies how incredibly resilient dogs are,” said Keiley. “Despite all he’s been through, he remains friendly and trusting.”
“We know that he’ll make a wonderful companion for the right adopters now that he’s ready to find them.”
Interested adopters should visit the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center during open hours, Tuesday through Sunday, noon – 3 pm. They may also submit an adoption inquiry here.
