Deplorable Conditions Found at Boston Animal Control Shelter

The Animal Rescue League of Boston visited the Boston Animal Control’s Roslindale shelter as part of an investigation into a dog-fighting ring last month and what ARL officials found was disturbing. 

One of the four dogs connected to the dog-fighting case named Camilla was emaciated with sores on her body. Dogs seemed stressed and possibly mistreated. There were crates without bedding and toys. 

Concerned for Camilla and other animals at the shelter, the ARL notified Boston Mayor Martin Walsh.

Walsh took action by suspending the city’s acting Director of Animal Control Mark Giannangleo and appointed John Meaney as interim director of animal control. Walsh has also promised adding staff at the shelter if it’s needed. 

The ARL has taken in 35 animals from the Boston Animal Control Shelter and is caring for them at shelters in Boston and Dedham. Camilla has gained nine pounds and has become a favorite among staff. ARL veterinarians and shelter operations staff also completed “a comprehensive on-site assessment” to give to Boston officials, according to ARL.

Shelter workers have been cleaning out the filthy conditions this week. Meaney told The Boston Globe that they are naming the pets so that each one has “an identity.”