Investigation leads to removal of 60 dogs from home, now being sheltered at Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

On Tuesday, sixty Boxer dogs were removed from a Massachusetts property as part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation into reports of animal hoarding and overcrowding.

The investigation was opened by the Windham Police Department, NH, and also involves the Merrimac Police Department, Haverhill Police Department, and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The Boxer dogs were voluntarily surrendered by a homeowner on Locust Grove Rd in Merrimac and have been placed in the care of the MSPCA and currently reside in shelters.

As part of the investigation, Haverhill Police also searched another property in that town, however the search did not discover any dogs or find cause for concern.

“Every domesticated animal has a right to minimum standards of nutrition, sanitation and veterinary care,” Merrimac Police Department Chief Eric Shears said. “Animal hoarding and overcrowding is dangerous because it jeopardizes the ability of animals to receive appropriate care, and we will investigate any reports of those occurrences.”

According to MSPCA, the dog’s range in age from newborn to senior. Their team scrambled to find space for them and has been working hard to do initial medical evaluations so they can get an understanding of what support they need.

For those looking to help, donations and foster homes will be a lifeline. MSPCA expect the cost of their care to exceed $10,000 and some of them will need to spend several weeks with them before they’re ready for adoption. Anyone interested in fostering can visit mspca.org/foster.

Some of the dogs may be ready for adoption as soon as next week.

The multi-jurisdictional investigation is active and ongoing. No charges have been filed at this time. The lead investigator assigned to the case at Merrimac Police is Detective Stephen Beaulieu. Anyone with information is asked to call Merrimac Police at 978-346-8321.