'Deplorable Conditions': 18 Dogs Rescued In Malden Animal Cruelty Case

MALDEN, MA — Eighteen dogs are continuing their recoveries, authorities said on Wednesday, after they were removed from what officials said were “deplorable conditions" in a Malden home earlier this month.

Jennifer Ahn of Malden is now facing changes linked to the case, according to State Police and the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

State and local law enforcement officials spoke alongside Animal Rescue League personnel on Wednesday afternoon, detailing a lengthy investigation into a suspected illegal kennel in Malden.

Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant Alan Borgal said police eventually got a veterinarian into the home in question, with the veterinarian subsequently reporting that multiple dogs were suffering from starvation.

Police were able to move in after that report, according to Malden Police Animal Control Officer Kevin Alkins.

“We were quite shocked,” Borgal said of the conditions inside.

Authorities said they found animals covered in feces and urine. Many had varying degrees of dental issues, overgrown nails and matted fur, among other issues, on top of starvation symptoms, according to authorities.

One dog, referred to as Lucille by her current caretakers at the Animal Rescue League, was found with a seemingly untreated ulcer in her eye in addition to other health concerns, according to Animal Rescue League veterinarian Sophie Trakht.

“These animals were in severe condition,” Trakht said on Wednesday. “Because of that, we have to take a very, very slow process in the recovery.”

The majority of dogs in this case were taken to the Animal Rescue League's Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center, officials said. Some needed additional care at an emergency animal facility. Those dogs were later taken to the Animal Rescue League's Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center, according to officials, to receive continuing treatment.

Trakht said the Animal Rescue League team has been concerned about health issues that can sometimes crop up when a starving animal suddenly regains access to food. These potentially dangerous symptoms, known as “refeeding syndrome,” have prompted current caretakers to tread carefully in helping underweight dogs rescued from this situation in Malden gain weight.

The animals rescued in this case will likely go up for adoption at a later date. But the road to that point will be “quite arduous,” Trakht said.

Animal Rescue League personnel said most of these dogs will end up spending some time in foster care as part of their recovery process to heal in a safe, comforting environment.

Traut said this case represents one of the most severe cases of animal emaciation that many current Animal Rescue League of Boston employees have ever seen.

“This has been a shock to all of us here,” she said.

Nevertheless, she said the team is hopeful after initial treatment of the animals involved.

The home in Malden where these dogs were found has since been condemned, according to Alkins. A criminal investigation is ongoing, authorities said.

While police did not identify the location of the home, Malden Ward Three City Councilor Amanda Linehan responded to news of this situation on Wednesday, saying recent police action came as part of a "multi-year effort to address an ongoing case of suspected animal cruelty in Ward 3."

Ward Three includes areas along Malden's borders with Melrose and Medford, close to the Middlesex Fells Reservation to the west of Washington Street and the Oak Grove MBTA station.

"I want to thank the Malden Police including Animal Control Officer Kevin Alkins, as well as Inspectional Services and the Animal Rescue League of Greater Boston for making sure this case did not have a more tragic outcome," Linehan said in a message on social media.

Linehan continued, thanking community members who brought concerns about this situation to the attention of law enforcement.

"We never like to think this can or will happen where we live, but our community came together to protect these animals and for that I am so thankful," Linehan said.

Officials this week said they filed a total of 37 charges against Ahn, including 18 counts of animal cruelty, 18 counts of violating state tethering and confinement law and a lone count of operating an illegal kennel.

Ahn and another individual were living in the home where dogs were found, police said. That second person is currently a person of interest in this investigation, according to police.

Ahn was scheduled to be arraigned in Malden District Court on Jan. 5 as of Wednesday afternoon. Online court records did not show whether Ahn had obtained lawyer in her case.

Care is continuing at the Animal Rescue League. Individuals interested in supporting the organization and its efforts can do so through monetary contributions on a donation page here.