Police: Car Pool to "Puppy Doe" Vigil

Northborough Police are "strongly" encouraging participants at Saturday's vigil for "Puppy Doe" to car pool.

At least several hundred people are expected in the crowd for the event, "which police were originally told would draw 40 to 50 participants," police said Thursday in a press release.

The vigil for "Puppy Doe" is at 4:30 p.m. at Ellsworth-McAfee Park, on Route 135.

Kiya, a pit bull dubbed “Puppy Doe” by those who found her, was found in a park in Quincy last month. She had been brutally tortured and left for dead, and because of extensive injuries, had to be euthanized.

Northborough Police said social and print media coverage of the vigil has generated an "overwhelming response."

"The primary concern at this time is parking and lighting," police said.

The park has about 150 spaces, police said.

"When the parking lot is full, the park entrances will be closed to vehicles," police said.

Participants are urged to bring flashlights because neither the park nor the lot has lighting, police said.

Large trucks and commercial vehicles will be prohibited from the park, police said.

Police will have additional officers there to facilitate vehicles and pedestrians.

"It is our hope that guests and visitors to this event respect the organizers' intention that this is a brief vigil in remembrance of Kiya," police said.

"Upon completion of the vigil program, the park will close to the public for the night."

Police also are alerting the public to these Northborough Parks and Recreation Commission regulations:

• All dogs must be on a leash
• Canine waste removal/disposal is required
• Parking on the fields is prohibited
• Alcohol and glass are prohibited
• Littering is prohibited