Investigations lead to the removal of 60 dogs from their homes, who are now being housed at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Sixty boxer dogs were removed from a Massachusetts property on Tuesday as part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation into reports of animal hoarding and overcrowding.

The investigation was initiated by the Windham Police Department, NH, and also involves the Merrimac Police Department, the Haverhill Police Department, and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The boxer dogs were voluntarily surrendered by a homeowner on Locust Grove Road in Merrimac, placed into the care of the MSPCA, and are currently living in shelters.

As part of the investigation, Haverhill police also searched another property in that city, but the search did not reveal any dogs or other cause for concern.

“Every domesticated animal has a right to minimum standards of nutrition, hygiene and veterinary care,” said Merrimac Police Chief Eric Shears. “Animal hoarding and overcrowding are dangerous because they compromise the animals’ ability to receive proper care, and we will investigate all reports of such incidents.”

According to MSPCA, the dogs’ ages range from newborn to senior. Their team has been scrambling to find space for them and has worked hard to conduct initial medical exams to determine what support they need.

For those who want to help, donations and foster homes are a lifeline. MSPCA expects the cost of caring for them will exceed $10,000 and some of them will need to spend several weeks with them before they are ready for adoption. Those interested in fostering can visit mspca.org/foster.

Some of the dogs may be available for adoption as early as next week.

The multi-jurisdictional investigation is ongoing. No charges have been filed at this time. The lead investigator with the Merrimac Police Department is Detective Stephen Beaulieu. Anyone with information is asked to call the Merrimac Police Department at 988-346-8321.