Massachusetts man indicted after alleged beating killed two geese

A Massachusetts man has been indicted on two counts of animal cruelty for allegedly beating a pair of Canadian Geese that later had to be euthanized.

“A Norfolk County Grand Jury indicted Ernest Allen, 55, of Chestnut West Drive in Randolph, on two counts of animal cruelty on September 23,” District Attorney Morrissey said. “That indictment moves the case to Norfolk Superior Court. We would expect to schedule a superior court arraignment in the coming weeks.”

The matter was brought through the grand jury by Assistant District Attorney Courtney Kiernan, Morrissey said, and the defendant is represented by attorney Ken DiFazio.

Allen pled not guilty to the same two charges at his Quincy District Court arraignment on August 2, 2021, according to Morrissey. He was released on personal recognizance.

“The Randolph Police Department responded to Mr. Allen’s home after being contacted by a neighbor who reported seeing him beating the geese with a stick,” Morrissey said. “The geese were transported to the New England Wildlife Center in South Weymouth. Despite their efforts, the geese could not be saved.”

According to the New England Wildlife Center, “two juvenile geese only about 10 weeks old were admitted to (their) Weymouth hospital brutally beaten and clinging to life. Both suffered severe blood loss and multiple fractures. Dr. Mertz admitted the animals. His veterinary exam discovered irreparable fractures to both wings and the goose was humanely euthanized to end his suffering. A wing wrap was put on the second gosling. This goose sustained a fracture so severe that the pieces of bone were sticking out through the tissues of the wing. Though surgical repair was a long shot, (their) veterinary team had to at least try. The goose was stabilized with fluids and pain meds and transferred to (their) cape branch for Dr. Patel to perform surgery the next day. Unfortunately after hours of trying, he succumbed to his injuries.”

The New England Wildlife Center also assisted by conducting the necropsy – the veterinary equivalent of an autopsy – that would be used if the matter goes to trial, Morrissey said.

The maximum penalty for animal cruelty in Massachusetts is 7 years in state prison.