MIDDLEBORO — In the wake of many neglected, imprisoned and starved animals rescued last month from an abandoned home in Middleboro, the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center is looking for a loving home for a spunky 6-year-old Shih Tzu mix with special needs.
Gumby, as he is affectionately named, was one of the 17 dogs rescued from unsanitary conditions where the animals, many in cages, were trapped in their own filth and had no access to food and water.
The MSPCA-Angell reported in a press release that Gumby suffered severe injuries while imprisoned that cannot be surgically repaired.
Gumby has fully luxated patellas, meaning that his kneecaps are permanently popped out.
“Gumby can’t bend his hind legs, which obviously impacts how he walks, but there’s unfortunately no surgical fix for his injuries,” explained MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley.
“Despite that, he’s still mobile and, given how friendly and spirited he is, we know that he’ll be able to live a happy life with adopters who are willing to help him navigate the world in his own special way.”
A nightmare for defenseless animals
On Oct. 18, Middleboro Animal Control and MSPCA Law Enforcement separately visited 53 Precinct St. with warrants for investigations, prompted by complaints from neighbors of crying and barking heard from animals inside, as well as observed conditions regarding the horses on the property.
Aside from the six horses on the property, authorities also discovered 17 dogs, two cats, a turtle, and a guinea pig inside the home and in desperate need of medical care.
A police report from Middleboro Police indicated six plastic casket boxes which contained seven deceased dogs, as well as a freezer in the garage that contained an estimated 20 dead dogs.
After all the animals were rescued by MSPCA and Animal Control, the Middleboro Health Department condemned the home, while the Middleboro Fire Department declared the building a fire hazard.
MSPCA-Angell expects the animals in its care to become available for adoption at different times over the next several weeks.
“We want to place them as soon as they’re ready, so these animals can experience the loving home environments they deserve,” said MSPCA VP Keiley.
Rescued cats and guinea pigs ready for adoption
Presently, all the cats and the guinea pig are available for adoption.
First group of dogs almost ready for adoption — including Gumby
Keiley said many of the dogs need dental work, as well as to be spayed/neutered, which the MSPCA will do before they are put up for adoption.
The first group of those dogs, including Gumby, is expected to be ready for adoption as early as this week.
Interested adopters are asked to monitor the MSPCA’s available animal page at mspca.org/adoptadog for updates on their statuses and directions on how to adopt.
Horses not yet ready to adopt
The six horses are currently being rehabilitated at Nevins Farm in Methuen, and Keiley said they will continue to be there for at least a few more weeks before they will be ready for adoption.
Keiley estimates the MSPCA-Angell will spend upwards of $25,000 caring for the Middleboro animals. Those who would like to donate to help offset that cost are asked to do so at mspca.org/middle.
Alleged perpetrator has history
Kimberly Ann Savino, 43, of 53 Precinct St., Middleboro, was arraigned Thursday, Nov. 7, in Wareham District Court on 26 charges of animal cruelty.
She pled not guilty and was released on personal recognizance. A judge ordered Savino not to possess or care for animals, with the exception of three dogs at her parents’ house.
Savino allegedly only came by the home once a week, according to the results of investigations.
In 2014, Savino was charged with animal cruelty in Michigan in connection with her possession of 37 dogs. Those dogs were kept in small containers and had various medical issues, including urine stained fur and skin, The Detroit Free Press reported. She paid nearly $40,000 in fines.
What happens next?
A pretrial hearing is currently scheduled for Dec. 10, 2024.
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