10/25/2024
If anyone has resources or time to help these poor animals please do so.
𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐄𝐒; 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐒
by Alice Elwell and Meta
October 24, 2024 - The town of Middleborough is continuing its investigation into one of the worst cases of animal abuse it has ever seen, with no charges filed yet. As part of the investigation, local authorities and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA-Angell) raided a home on Precinct Street, seizing 17 dogs, 2 cats, 1 guinea pig, 1 turtle, and 6 horses.
Of the 17 dogs rescued, 10 are set to return to Middleborough on Friday, where they will remain in the care of the town. The remaining animals will continue to receive care from the MSPCA.
Health Agent Kayla Smith and Animal Control Officer Kevin Racicot are now seeking help from the community to care for the returning dogs. The Middleborough Animal Shelter will be at full capacity, and donations of dog food and bedding are urgently needed. Volunteers are also essential to help walk the dogs, provide socialization, and spend time with them, as they need to be reintroduced to walking after being kept in crates.
The owner of the animals, Kimberly A. Savino, has a history of animal cruelty. In 2014, she was convicted of animal cruelty in Michigan, where she was deemed an animal hoarder, according to MLive, a Michigan based news outlet. The dogs were living in filth and covered in f***s when they were rescued.
As part of her conviction, Savino pleaded guilty, forfeited 37 dogs, and was sentenced to 400 hours of community service, 5 years probation, and ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution, MLive reported. see: https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2014/11/woman_sentenced_to_probation_f.html
However, Savino violated her probation by failing to establish a place of residence to complete her community service and served 90 days in jail. Her restitution was later reduced to $39,127, MLive reported.
Currently, Town Manager James McGrail has confirmed Savino as the owner of the animals but does not know her current location. Savino's mother owns the Precinct Street home, and McGrail has spoken to both Savino and her mother.
To allow the dogs to settle in, visitors will not be allowed at the shelter on Friday. The town is focusing on providing care and support for the rescued animals and is seeking community assistance to ensure their well-being.
Needed:
• Purina One, dry dog food
• Any brand of wet dog food
• Raised dog beds
• Volunteers to walk the dogs
Call the Middleborough Animal Shelter Adoptions at the shelter at 𝟓𝟎𝟖-𝟗𝟒𝟔-𝟐𝟒𝟓𝟓, Health Agent Kayla Smith at 508-946-2408, or email Animal Control Officer Kevin Racicot at 𝐊𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐭@𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐦𝐚.𝐠𝐨𝐯.
𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜/ 𝐾𝑖𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑆𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑜'𝑠 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘