Middleborough woman faces 20 counts of animal cruelty; left dogs in crates in the home, police say

A Middleborough woman is facing 20 counts of animal cruelty after police reportedly recovered 17 malnourished dogs from crates full of feces and urine, along with other pets in need of medical care, authorities said.

Kimberly Ann Savino, 43, was arraigned Thursday in Wareham District Court on 20 counts of cruelty to animals by custodian, a subsequent offense, Middleborough police said in a statement.

Judge Edward H. Sharkansky released Savino on personal recognizance, with conditions that she not own or care for any animals, except for three dogs at her parents’ home, records show.

Savino could not be reached for comment and it was not immediately clear who represented her in court.

On Oct. 18, police said, Middleborough Animal Control responded to 53 Precinct St. to execute a search warrant regarding horses on the property, about which complaints had been received from neighbors.

“While executing the administrative warrant, Animal Control officers located 17 dogs, two cats, a turtle and a guinea pig in need of medical care in the home,” police said. “One dog that was unresponsive but breathing and unable to move was immediately removed from the home.”

The home was secured and police obtained a second warrant to expand the search.

“While executing the search warrant, police discovered the 17 dogs in the basement, all in crates and covered in feces and urine,” the statement said. “It turned out that the dogs had not been out of the crate for a long time and were without food and water.”

Investigators discovered that no one lived in the home on a regular basis and that Savino only visited the animals once a week, according to police.

The city’s health department condemned the home as a health hazard on Oct. 18, and firefighters deemed the property a fire hazard, according to police.

“Nine of the dogs removed from the home remain in the care of the Middleborough Animal Shelter,” police said. “Eight of the dogs remain in the care of the MSPCA. Savino surrendered the animals on Thursday.”

Her next court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 10, records show.

Travis Andersen can be reached at [email protected].