Former Senior Center Director Barred From Caring For Animals

TEWKSBURY, MA — Tewksbury's former senior center director who was charged with cruelty to animals last year had her case continued for three years, but faces conditions barring her from owning or caring for animals, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office confirmed Monday.

Hutcheon was charged last year with three counts of cruelty to animals and one count of witness intimidation. Prosecutors said an investigation found that at least two German Shepherds died in Hutcheon's care while a puppy in her home was found underweight.

She had been the director of the Tewksbury Senior Center for two years, prior to the May 2020 arrest.

The judge continued the case for three years without making a finding on any count, the prosecutor's spokeswoman said, as first reported by the Lowell Sun.

But conditions were imposed that Hutcheon:

• May not possess, acquire or care for any pet.
• Must seek or maintain work or school
• Must comply with a bi-weekly inspection by animal control
• Must comply with any follow up treatment.

Hutcheon is no longer employed by Tewksbury, a town official confirmed.

If Hutcheon abides by the conditions for the three year period, the animal cruelty charges will be dismissed, the Lowell Sun reported.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.