Woman Arraigned After 21 Sick Dogs Removed From Webster Home

WEBSTER (CBS) – More than 20 sick dogs were removed from a squalid home in Webster overnight by authorities in hazardous materials suits.

The Webster Animal Control officer told WBZ-TV 21 dogs, including 1 deceased dog, 5 cats, and 4 birds were removed from a house on Cody Street late Monday night.

Many of the dogs looked to be malnourished and in bad shape.

The house had no running water and extensive filth, according to authorities.

"Deplorable conditions were found with animal feces and urine throughout the residence and the crates in which some animals were contained," Webster Police said in a statement Tuesday.

"Due to the conditions being observed, hazardous material suits had to be worn to make entry."

The home owner, Beatrice Nielsen, 50, was charged with 29 counts of animal cruelty and released on bail.

She appeared in Dudley District Court Tuesday.  Nielsen tearfully told reporters she is a 'canine specialist" who rescues and rehabilitates dogs.

"I am not animal cruelty.  My dogs are in great shape," she said.

"I have helped thousands of dogs find new homes and rehabilitated them. This is absolutely an insult to every part of my being."

Nielsen claims the home became run down because of legal and financial problems.

The animals were taken to several local shelters.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports

In:
• Paul Burton