News

Former kennel owner pleads not guilty to neglect charges in death of dog

EAST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — A former animal control officer and kennel owner is facing animal cruelty charges after a death in the facility.

FOX25 first reported last July about the German shepherd, named Maximus, that died while in the care of Annie’s Clean Critters.

Last month the owner, Annie Brown, and her husband were arrested after a months-long investigation.

Both pleaded not guilty to charges Tuesday in Brockton.

Prosecutors said the conditions inside Brown's kennel were both inhumane and unsanitary.

“The facility was not only inhumane, but unsanitary for these animals to be residing in,” Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth O’Connell said.

Police say last July, a local man named Rob Foley took his German shepherd Maximus to be boarded at Annie's Clean Critters in Whitman for four days.

Police say when Foley went to pick up Maximus the following Monday, the kennel was closed and no one answered the phone.

Hours later, police say an employee showed up and told Foley that Maximus was dead.

Investigators say several other dogs were also being kept at the kennel in improper caging.

Brown's attorney told the judge that Maximus had a pre-existing condition that caused his death.

Investigators say the kennel's own surveillance videos show a prolonged period of cruel neglect.