NH woman charged after dog found malnourished, living in squalor

MERRIMACK, N.H. — A Merrimack, New Hampshire woman is facing animal cruelty charges after a dog was found severely malnourished and in squalid conditions inside her home.

On July 29, Merrimack Police responded to 17 Sycamore Drive to check in on a dog that they believed was inside the house. At the scene, officers learned a German Shepherd had been living inside the house, but had not been seen since at least the Fall of 2018.

Looking in through a window, officers were able to find the dog in question, later identified as Turbo.

Turbo looked extremely malnourished and had been living in extreme squalor, surrounded by feces and urine in the kitchen where he was confined. Officers also noticed the food bowl was empty and the water bowl was riddled with mildew.

Police reached out to Alexa Cho, identified as the owner, but did not return any calls or attempts to contact her. Cho does not live in the home where Turbo was found.

According to police, the house appeared to have been uninhabited for several months. Police were able to enter the house through an unlocked door and took custody of Turbo. The dog is now in the care of the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire.

A day later, Cho contacted police after she learned they had been looking for her. She eventually surrendered custody of Turbo to the ARL.

Turbo health is grave and there is still no information on whether he'll be available for adoption later on due to the abuse he suffered.

After an investigation, police were able to secure a warrant for Cho. She has been charged with two counts of cruelty to animals, failure to register a dog and failure to vaccinate a dog.

Cho was released on personal recognizance and is due in court on Aug. 22 in 9th District Court, Merrimack Division.

Police are urging people who own pets but might be unable to care for them to contact their local police department or animal shelter to turn over ownership. There are organizations that are willing to give your animal the care they deserve.

Cox Media Group