Owner of Massachusetts dog kennel charged with 39 counts of animal cruelty and other charges after investigation

The owner of a Massachusetts dog kennel has been charged with 39 counts of animal cruelty and other charges as a result of a joint investigation conducted with the MSPCA and Animal Rescue League of Boston.

According to Chief Scott Dumas and the Rowley Police Department, on Saturday, August 27, Rowley Police responded to a report of four goats that were walking on Route 1 and worked with Animal Control to round up the goats, which had not been reported missing.

Rowley Police and Animal Control identified the Hydrant Regency, 104 Newburyport Turnpike, as the home of the goats. While returning the goats, Animal Control noticed some concerning issues at the kennel, which led to a follow-up investigation by Rowley Police and Animal Control in collaboration with the MSPCA and Animal Rescue League of Boston.

40-year-old April Bernhardt of Rowley was arrested and charged with Animal Cruelty by Custodian (39 Counts) and Animal Cruelty.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Evidence Response Team assisted the investigation last week, helping to search the property for evidence of deceased dogs.

The kennel has been closed since August 29. Animals being housed on the property have been returned to their owners, while the goats are in the custody of the MSPCA.

On Wednesday, September 14, Bernhardt, who owns the kennel, turned herself in to Rowley Police and was booked at the police station.

Bernhardt will be arraigned today in Newburyport District Court.