21 dogs seized from New Bedford home in animal cruelty case available for adoption in Fall River

The dogs from a New Bedford animal cruelty case currently at a Fall River shelter are available and ready for their second chances!

New Bedford Police Animal Control Officers rescued 12 Cane Corsos and 9 French Bulldogs from a residence while investigating animal cruelty.

According to police, on Monday, July 8th, Animal Control, Patrol Officers, and detectives initiated an investigation that resulted in numerous animal cruelty and drug charges. At 184 Myrtle St., investigators were struck by the pungent odor of urine and feces and heard multiple dogs barking. In the attic, 12 Cane Corso dogs were discovered in cages. The temperature in the attic was indicated to be over 100 degrees. An additional 9 French Bull-mixed dogs were then found in the 3rd-floor apartment. Some bulldogs were loose in the apartment, and some were caged. None of the dogs had adequate access to food or water. Some had overgrown nails, which prevented them from walking normally. Conditions in the cages were described as unsanitary.

Upon the initial arrival of Animal Control officers, the tenant, 35-year-old Derrick Ambrose, fled from the house. As the investigation continued, narcotics were also discovered in the apartment. Ambrose was found to possess over 9 grams of fentanyl, over 25 grams of crack cocaine, Adderall, Oxycodone, mushrooms, and marijuana. Ambrose also had vacuum sealers, packaging materials, and digital scales, all used in the processing and packaging of illegal narcotics for street-level sales.

Altogether, 21 dogs were rescued from the residence. A warrant has been requested for Ambrose for 39 counts of animal cruelty and numerous narcotics-related charges, including trafficking over 18 grams of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute classes A, B, C, D, and E.

Forever Paws announced Wednesday that the dogs are available, however, you must have an approved application to meet them.

“We are going to be STRICT with these dogs, so they don’t end up in another unstable, awful situation. You must own your own home or live in a home owned by a family member, no cats unless otherwise noted, and all kids must be 12+. Breed experience (or similar breed experience) is HIGHLY PREFERRED. Fenced in yards are also highly preferred as well. If you have other dogs, meet and greets between the dogs will be MANDATORY. We do not want to set these dogs up for failure! Please keep in mind that these dogs are going to have chronic issues (ear infections, skin infections, etc.) They also don’t really know how to be dogs. Training will be necessary. Please ensure that you have the time and the patience for these dogs.”

To apply, visit foreverpaws.com and click adopt to download the application. Once complete, you can email it to fpas1@foreverpaws.com or fax it to 508-677-9175.

The dogs available are:

Altair, 1yo male cane corso, 108lbs

Delilah, 6yo female cane corso, 93lbs

Giselle, 3yo female “pocket bully”, 60lbs (cats okay for this girl!)

Harlow, 4yo female “pocket bully”, 37lbs (cats okay for this girl!)

Idris, 3yo male cane corso, 87lbs

Melody, 4yo female cane corso, 68lbs

Nikolai, 3yo male “pocket bully”, 32lbs

Brielle, 5yo female cane corso, 96lbs

Charlotte, 3yo female cane corso, 94lbs

Lainey, 3yo female “pocket bully”, no weight yet

Quigley, 3yo male cane corso, 78lbs

Selena, 5yo female cane corso, 91lbs

Tatum, 3yo male cane corso, 88lbs