Massachusetts man previously on probation for animal cruelty charged after 96 animals found dead

A Massachusetts man is facing multiple charges after 96 dead animals, including chickens, geese, pigs, ducks, and rabbits, were discovered at a property he was renting on March 19, Sturbridge Police and MSPCA Law Enforcement announced Wednesday.

Andrew Sebastiano of Marlborough was arraigned in Dudley District Court on March 26 on 96 charges of animal cruelty, subsequent offense, and 96 charges of animal cruelty by custodian, subsequent offense. He was held without bail, pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for April 1.

“This is an extremely disturbing case of animal cruelty, none like I have seen in my career. The sheer number of animals that suffered and perished is truly heartbreaking. We are grateful for our strong partnership with MSPCA Law Enforcement, whose expertise was invaluable in this investigation. I also commend my officers who worked tirelessly on this investigation from the onset to make sure the individual involved was arrested and brought to justice.” said Sturbridge Police Chief Earl Dessert.

“We’re grateful to Sturbridge Police for collaborating with us on this and helping find the suspect,” said MSPCA Law Enforcement Director, Chris Schindler, who noted that Sebastiano had left the property in February.

“This was a devastating scene, and we wish that we had been able to intercede in the weeks before these animals perished, but, unfortunately, the call came too late.”

Sturbridge Police and MSPCA Law Enforcement seized one adult dog when the suspect was arrested on March 25. That dog is in the care of the MSPCA-Angell, which will release more information on its condition when it is available.

According to Schindler, this was not Sebastiano’s first interaction with MSPCA Law Enforcement.

“We arrested this person, and he pled guilty to animal cruelty charges in 2021. He was sentenced to probation,” Schindler explained.

“Our current legal framework for addressing animal cruelty in Massachusetts is long overdue for additional tools, beyond the current statutes,” he elaborated. “Not all offenses are or should be treated equally, but that’s often what happens in our current system.”

A proposal on Beacon Hill supported by the MSPCA-Angell would ban those convicted of animal cruelty crimes from owning an animal for at least five years—or longer if a court deems that reasonable.

More information on how to help the MSPCA’s advocacy efforts may be found at mspca.org/advocacy.