Framingham residents outraged after dog is returned to allegedly abusive owner

FRAMGHAM, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Framingham residents are furious after a dog left outside in the cold was returned to its owner.

Tuesday night, animal advocates for "Misty" showed up at the town's Board of Selectmen meeting with signs protesting Framingham Animal Control and asking about the dog's current status.

"They felt they weren't getting the right response from town officials, so they brought their concerns to the Board of Selectmen," said board chair Charlie Sisitsky.

Framingham Police told Fox 25 they had received complaints about alleged abuse against Misty for years.

Neighbors said for the last decade, Misty has been chained up outside her owner's home on Howe Street with only a pet carrier as shelter from the elements.

"Whether it was the dead of winter or the extreme heat in the summer," said neighbor Bryna Davidow. "I think a lot of people in the neighborhood felt really bad for her."

Neighbors said they often took matters into their own hands and would feed Misty or fill her water bowl. On Jan. 5, an animal advocate noticed Misty's water supply was frozen over, and notified Framingham Police.

According to police, the responding officer removed Misty from the property, and gave her to PAWS New England, an animal advocate group, who cared for her and took her to a veterinarian.

But two days later, Framingham's animal control officer took Misty back to her original owner, and neighbors told Fox 25 they have not seen the dog since.

"People have asked me questions, like have you seen her? Did you hear about what happened?" Davidow said.

In a statement, Framingham Chief of Police Kenneth Ferguson said, "There was no evidence to support the allegations of abuse. I have all the faith in the world in my animal control officer, and I support her actions."

Police officials plan to meet Thursday morning to discuss department protocols.

Sisitsky said he called for an investigation but said he supported the police department's actions.

"I'm confident that they did that they did what they were supposed to do, within the letter of the law," he said.

Fox 25 attempted to contact Misty's owner for comment, but no one was at the home Wednesday.

Cox Media Group