Puppy Owned By Marlborough Animal Cruelty Defendant Safe And Sound

MARLBOROUGH, MA - A dog that was found at the scene of a disturbing scene of animal cruelty in Sturbridge was surrendered to the care of the Jamaica Plain-based nonprofit Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA-Angell).

"Foxy is doing great," Vice President of Animal Protection Mike Keiley told Patch. "She's sweet, and we're sure that she'll be a great pet for her new family whenever she's ready to find them."

She was found at a property rented out by Andrew Sebastiano, a Marlborough man who is currently facing a slew of animal cruelty charges. He was arraigned in Dudley District Court on nearly 200 combined counts of animal cruelty.

Police found nearly 100 dead chickens, geese, pigs and rabbits on the property. Foxy was found when Sebastiano was arrested on March 25, and she was transferred from the police to MSPCA-Angell.

"Foxy hasn't been in our care very long, so we're still getting to know her," MSPCA Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler said. "But she's doing really well." Foxy, an Australian Cattle dog, is roughly eight months old and being prepared for adoption. MSPCA-Angell expects her to be ready sometime next week, around April 7.

She'll be available at its Nevins Farm Adoption Center.

"Cases like these touch every part of our organization," Keiley said. MSPCA-Angell doesn't just help abused animals find their new homes, but the nonprofit also works to pass legislation that benefits pets in the longer term. "You can see all of that at work here," Keiley said. "I'm incredibly proud of everyone involved for getting this positive outcome for Foxy."