Middleboro woman charged after 27 animals rescued from home
MIDDLEBORO - In mid-October, animal control officers began shuffling dogs from a home in Middleboro. Neighbors began calling about possible animal cruelty after discovering thin horses on the property, while also hearing barking and clawing coming from inside the home. Homeowner Kimberly Savino was in court Thursday facing numerous animal cruelty charges.
"In the basement they discovered 19 animals, 17 dogs, two cats all in crates. All covered in urine and feces. The animals had no food, no water," said Nicole Piacentini, Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney. "It appeared the horses were chewing on the shelter as they had no food or water in the stalls. When neighbors would go over to feed the horses, the horses would rip the hay out of their hands because they were so hungry."
Homeowner previously charged with animal cruelty
Investigators say the 27 animals that were rescued from deplorable conditions belong to Savino, adding that she was already charged with animal cruelty in Michigan in 2014.
"At that time, she was convicted, and she was placed on five years of probation and had to pay $40,000 in fines," Piacentini said in court.
When officers showed up to the home in Middleboro, they entered the basement, discovering more animals in the home, and some lying on newspaper covered in filth. They also found six plastic caskets with decaying dogs.
"Further into the basement was a freezer in which officers located approximately 15-20 more deceased dogs," said Piacentini.
The animals have now been removed, and Savino faces numerous charges of animal cruelty. Savino and her attorney are asking for neighbors to let the judicial process play out.
"This is America and even though things can look very condemning, I think people need to keep open minds, and wait and see. Things are not always what they appear to be," Savino said outside court.
Animals cared for at shelter
The staff at the Middleboro Animal Shelter are in the process of getting some of the animals recuperated and ready for adoption.
"The animals are doing a lot better. They are finally getting less nervous and they are snuggle bugs. They are so nice," said Kayla Smith, the Health Agent for Middleboro. "We just built a whole outside play yard, so we are getting them to run around some."
With the influx of animals, the shelter does need donations including wet or dry dog food along with dog beds.
"We have had over 100 phone calls about people asking for these animals, so when we get a list together, we will be sharing that," Smith said.
