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Owner of Greyhound Friends in Hopkinton facing animal cruelty charge

HOPKINTON, Mass. — The owner of a dog kennel in Hopkinton is now facing an animal cruelty charge after a FOX25 Investigates story aired last week about alleged mistreatment.

Greyhound Friends, a popular shelter run by Louise Coleman, was shut down recently during a state investigation. The charge was issued Friday, but Coleman said she did not know about it until a reporter told her Tuesday.

“It just seems unwarranted,” she said. “In a lot of ways it’s unknown to me. I didn’t know I was being charged with anything.”

Chairman of the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Brian Herr said many people in town are concerned.

"The residents of Hopkinton are concerned. We want to protect all animals here in Hopkinton and we are going to do what we have to make sure we do it here as well,” Herr said.

Coleman is scheduled to appear in Framingham District Court on March 13. On March 14, the Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss what further action they need.

"We're concerned what's come to light in recent weeks and we want to get to the bottom of it," Herr said.

The kennel has been in operation for 34 years and has had thousands of successful adoptions. Coleman said she hopes to have support at the upcoming hearing and get her license to operate back.

"We are doing the best we can and complying hoping to straighten this all out," she said.

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