Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.
One of the huskies taken in by Baypath Humane Society from an animal neglect case from Wrentham hangs out with her new puppies. PHOTO COURTESY BAYPATH HUMANE SOCIETY
After almost a year of waiting and over $130,000 in expenses, Baypath Humane Society finally is able to put 15 rescued and rehabilitated dogs up for adoption.
The dogs — a mix of German shepherds and huskies — officially were surrendered to Baypath after their owner relinquished custody of them as part of a plea deal last month. A Wrentham woman was arrested and charged with 23 counts of animal cruelty last June. As part of her plea deal, those charges were dropped, according to a report from CBS News.
Until that agreement was reached, Baypath was in charge of holding the animals but legally was not allowed to provide more extensive care. Elizabeth Jefferis, Baypath’s executive director, stated that the shelter wasn’t even allowed to spay or neuter the dogs.
“When you’re holding [the animals] for what’s going to be a cruelty case, they are evidence,” Jefferis explained.
The shelter was allowed to treat some issues, such as the removal of a mammary mass and other ailments, but it was limited in its options without permission from the court. Now, Baypath has greater leeway in caring for the dogs and offering them for adoption.
Jefferis said rehabilitating the dogs was a significant investment of resources over the past year — both financial and labor. Many of the animals dealt with conditions like matted fur, dehydration, emaciation and more. She noted one dog had developed a compulsive disorder due to long periods of confinement.
Thankfully, the efforts of Baypath’s volunteers and staff have yielded positive results in the dogs’ quality of life.
“It was wild to watch this play out and see these guys get better because they had so much enrichment and reinforcing experiences,” said Jefferis.
Several of the dogs now are with foster families, and others remain at the shelter, ready for adoption.
Jefferis credited the work of Wrentham’s animal control officers for working with Baypath. She also claimed that this animal neglect case is the latest in a growing trend of cases around the region.
“We’re seeing more of [these chronic cases] in our community,” Jefferis explained.
Still, she says Baypath is up for the challenge of taking in and caring for these animals. “We’re so glad we did it,” Jefferis said. “We learned a lot from these dogs.”
Those interested in adopting one of the dogs can find out more on Baypath’s website.
Former Select Board vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere, who was arrested for an alleged OUI last December, received one year probation and a 45 day loss of license Thursday following an admission to sufficient facts in Framingham District Court.
The Trails Committee on Wednesday discussed recent efforts to expand trail access and safety, as well as outreach to other town boards and committees.
On Wednesday, the Water & Sewer Advisory Board approved recommending the town’s water and sewer rates to increase by 10.5% and 10%, respectively.
Marlborough police officer and Hopkinton High School alum Georgia Kramer is part of a team of educators and regional law enforcement officials teaching local students how to defend themselves in a rape aggression defense class.
This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is 11-year-old Arya, a “sweet, spirited and gentle girl” who is very social and always up for an outdoor adventure.
Our latest Business Profile highlights EARTH Ltd. in Mendon, which has opened up a new center to offer animal encounters, events and other nature programming.
Flowers bloom in a grassy area behind homes in the Legacy Farms housing development.
PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE
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