4 Wandering Goats Lead Police To Suspected Animal Cruelty At MA Kennel

ROWLEY, MA — An Essex County kennel owner is facing 39 animal cruelty charges after police found dogs packed in crates in high temperatures in August, according to Rowley police.

An investigation into the cruelty began on Aug. 27, when four goats were seen wandering along Route 1 in Rowley. When police went to return the goats to their home at the Hydrant Regency kennel along Newburyport Turnpike, they found evidence of poor conditions.

According to WCVB, about 37 dogs were found in crates inside a storage trailer with no air conditioning and no access to water. Some dogs were in cages so small they couldn't move around, according to the report.

Police closed the Hydrant Regency on Aug. 29, and owner April Bernhardt turned herself in on Wednesday. She was arraigned at Newburyport District Court, and her attorney said the Rowley animal control officer had visited the kennel in August and found no signs of neglect. The trailer where the dogs were staying had fans, the attorney said.

Rowley police have also asked the FBI's evidence response team to visit the property to search for signs of dead dogs. The MSPCA and Animal Rescue League of Boston assisted police with an investigation into the kennel.