DRACUT, Mass. — A 37-year-old Dracut man has been charged with animal cruelty after three dogs were found malnourished and living in squalor at a vacant home, police said.
Jonathan Garrity was arrested Friday, two days after police responded to a home on Alta Avenue on Wednesday for a report of animal cruelty.
When officers arrived, they found the home to be vacant but could hear dogs barking inside, Acting Dracut Police Chief Stephen D. Chaput said in a statement.
Responding officers found the interior of the home to be in a state of squalor, with garbage, debris, needles and animal waste throughout, Chaput said. Three dogs showing severe signs of malnutrition were also found in the home.
Tyngsborough Animal Control responded with police and removed the three dogs from the home after seeing signs of abuse.
All dogs were taken to an area animal hospital where they are receiving treatment. One of the dogs was micro-chipped which identified Garrity as the owner.
Dracut Police subsequently obtained a warrant for Garrity’s arrest from Lowell District Court.
Earlier Friday morning, Dracut Police found Garrity in the home on Alta Avenue while they were accompanying the Board of Health to condemn the home.
Garrity was placed under arrest without incident.
Garrity also has additional outstanding warrants for his arrest, including one for a charge of receiving a stolen motor vehicle and others for drug and motor vehicle charges.
“I would like to commend all responding officers and the other agencies for their help in ensuring that these animals were removed from their deplorable conditions,” Chaput said. “Officer Rob Ludwig did an exceptional job in his response, investigation and follow-up on this case.”
Garrity was scheduled to be arraigned in Lowell District Court Friday.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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