10/25/2024
If anyone has resources or time to help these poor animals please do so.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐; ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐
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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:
โข Purina One, dry dog food
โข Any brand of wet dog food
โข Raised dog beds
โข Volunteers to walk the dogs
Call the Middleborough Animal Shelter Adoptions at the shelter at ๐๐๐-๐๐๐-๐๐๐๐, Health Agent Kayla Smith at 508-946-2408, or email Animal Control Officer Kevin Racicot at ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐๐จ๐ญ@๐๐ข๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก๐ฆ๐.๐ ๐จ๐ฏ.
๐โ๐๐ก๐/ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐'๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐