Pluto Will Be Available for Adoption Following Neuter Surgery This Week
BOSTON, June 24, 2025 – MSPCA Law Enforcement is investigating after a person was filmed appearing to hit a dog with a leash outside in Dorchester June 15.
The dog—a roughly one-and-a-half year-old Pit Bull Catahoula Leopard Dog mix now named Pluto—was surrendered to the care of the MSPCA-Angell on June 20.
“Video of this incident was circulated widely on social media, and we got a lot of calls about it,” explained MSPCA Law Enforcement Director, Chris Schindler. “We’re grateful for the community’s commitment to the wellbeing of animals, which helped us find this dog and get him to a place we know is safe.”
Boston Animal Control is assisting MSPCA Law Enforcement with an investigation into the incident on camera, which is ongoing. The MSPCA-Angell will release information on that investigation as it becomes available.
“The type of behavior depicted in the video is unlawful, and we will always pursue charges in these cases,” Schindler added. “The community was right to be outraged by what was in the video, and our officers are always at the ready to investigate.”
Tips to MSPCA Law Enforcement may be submitted online at mspca.org/tip or by phone at (617)522-6008 or (800) 628-5808.
Pluto’s Bright Future
Staff at the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center say that Pluto is remarkably friendly and does not need any advanced medical treatment before finding his new home.
“We don’t know much about Pluto’s history, but it appears that he moved around a lot before he came to us,” said Deborah Bobek, director of the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center.
“We’re all troubled by what we saw in the video [of Pluto posted online], but while our Law Enforcement team works on the investigation, we’re committed to helping him find a home where he’ll be loved and cared for the way he deserves to be,” she added.
“We think that Pluto may be able to go to a home with a well-matched dog, but—given his unsettled past—it’s really important that his adopters are able to give him a very structured and supportive environment where he’s able to flourish,” Bobek detailed.
Pluto is expected to be available for adoption this week, following his neuter surgery. His fee will be waived during the Summer Ruff-Fresher adoptathon.
“We know Pluto will be a great addition to the right home with adopters who are committed to his training using positive reinforcement and also able to give him an outlet for all his young dog energy.”
Those who would like to donate to help offset the cost of caring for Pluto and other animals brought in by MSPCA Law Enforcement are asked to donate at mspca.org/pluto.
