Middleborough officials condemn home, remove 17 dogs living in filth with no food and water

MIDDLEBOROUGH — Town Manager Jay McGrail and Health Agent Kayla Smith report that the Middleborough Health Department has condemned a house and will remove more than a dozen dogs needing medical care.

On Friday, Middleborough Animal Control responded to 53 Precinct Street to execute an administrative warrant as part of an animal welfare investigation.

The MSPCA Law Enforcement Department simultaneously executed a criminal warrant regarding horses on the property.

Animal Control officers located 17 dogs needing medical care inside the home. The unregistered dogs had no access to food or water and lived in filth.

One dog needing urgent medical attention was immediately removed from the house and is now being cared for by Animal Control. The Health Department plans to remove the other 16 dogs from the house with the support of additional agencies, including Wareham Animal Control. They will also remove two cats, a turtle, and a guinea pig found inside the home.

The Middleborough Health Department condemned the house because it is a health hazard, and the Middleborough Fire Department determined it to be a fire hazard.

The Middleborough Police Department has not filed any criminal charges at this time, but the investigation remains active and ongoing.