Animal Cruelty Charges Filed Against MA Couple for Subjecting Numerous Dogs to Suffering

Photo Credit: MSPCA

The MSPCA-Angell’s Law Enforcement department announced has filed 14 counts of felony animal cruelty against Shirley and Edward Aguiar of Westminster, MA, for subjecting numerous dachshunds in their care to unnecessary suffering.

Most of them underweight, matted and coated in urine and feces, 71 Dachshund mix dogs were surrendered to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA)-Angell Memorial from the home on Jan. 5.

The MSPCA, in an announcement, said that the dogs, which were males, females and puppies, were underweight, coated in urine and feces, and matted. The conditions of the home were “extremely dirty.” Some dogs were in outside cages, and were not protected from elements.

The couple faces seven counts each for subjecting the dogs to unnecessary suffering and failure to provide a sanitary environment.

An arraignment date has not been set but is expected to be announced by the Gardner District Court.

Animal cruelty is a felony crime in Massachusetts, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

All of the dogs were put up for adoption, and there was overwhelming interest from the public in the dogs.