Family Disputes Animal Abuse Claim About Pit Bull

Animal Control officers seized a pit bull puppy from the back porch of a Bragdon Street apartment after reports that the dog had been left alone for days without water.

But the family of "Jewels," the 6-month old gray and white pup, says it was a misunderstanding and that the dog is loved and well cared-for.

"Does it look like she's abused?" said Joanna Richardson, one of the dog's owners, as Jewels sat at her feet during a Friday interview. "You didn't see a dog that was emaciated."

According to police reports, Animal Control came to the apartment after a Feb. 12 call for a barking dog. The caller told police the dog had been left outside for days without water or food.

Richardson said that's just not so, that the dog was left outside for a few hours because of a mix-up in work schedules.

Investigators seized the dog, which did not at the time have any food or water. The animal control officer made the following notes:

1. No shelter from cold weather
2. Possible cruelty
3. No pit bull license on dog
4. No "Beware of Dog" signed posted
5. Area covered with dog feces

Pit bulls are subject to special restrictions in Boston, beyond the requirements made of owners of other breeds. For instance, their property must have a "Beware of dog" sign and the dog must be muzzled when outside.

Richardson's family retrieved Jewels from the MSPCA, where the dog had been taken for safekeeping.