Berkley man facing several charges after animals found deceased, others in disturbing conditions

A local man is facing multiple charges after animals were found dead and others were reportedly found in disturbing conditions.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston, MSPCA, Berkley Police Department and Berkley Animal Control recently collaborated to rescue 9 ponies from a farm in Berkley, MA–the animals will be looking for new homes soon, and ARL Law Enforcement has also filed animal cruelty charges against the former owner.

According to ARL, 9 ponies were rescued from the property due to unsanitary conditions, and inadequate access to food and water. Investigators on-scene also discovered three deceased ponies and one deceased horse on the property.

Three of the ponies were taken to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center, while the remaining six were transported to MSPCA’s Nevins Farm in Methuen, MA.

The three ponies with ARL are classified as thin to emaciated, scoring between a two and three on the Henneke Equine scale. ARL states that the animals are currently on a refeeding plan and are receiving veterinary and farrier care–once they reach a healthy weight they will be made available for adoption.

The ponies that are in the care of the MSPCA at Nevins Farm remain isolated from the rest of the animals in the organization’s care.

Upon intake they all registered between one and two on the Henneke Equine scale, which classifies them as emaciated.

ARL says the ponies remain fearful, but are slowly warming to the presence of staff and volunteers tending to their needs, and the MSPCA expects they’ll be available for adoption within weeks.

ARL’s Law Enforcement Department has filed 13 counts of animal cruelty against Gary Bolger, of Berkley who’s scheduled to be arraigned at Taunton District Court on May 18.