12 St. Bernard Puppies Rescued, Man Charged With Animal Cruelty

DOUGLAS, MA—A man is facing charges after police found an abandoned St. Bernard puppy and then tracked down his mother and siblings in Douglas last Friday night. And now, several fluffy pups are up for adoption.

Police got several calls reporting a loose dog on Friday, Feb. 9, running around in the state forest on Southwest Main Street. After a search by Douglas Police, Regional Animal Control Officer Kevin Sullivan, and several residents, a St. Bernard dog was spotted multiple times, but, evaded capture throughout the night.

By mid-morning on Saturday, authorities finally caught the St. Bernard dog, named Buddy. Investigators found 14 St. Bernards at a residence, which were ultimately surrendered to Animal Control.

As a result of the investigation charges of Animal Cruelty and Misleading a Police Investigation were filed against Steven Banville, 38, Duval Road, Sutton.

Douglas Chief Nick Miglionico said that the "animal cruelty charge stems from the abandoning of the male St. Bernard (Buddy) in the Douglas State Forrest by the owner, Steven Banville."

The 14 St. Bernards included the one-year old male, Buddy, who was running loose on SW Main Street, a two-year old female St. Bernard (mom), and their 12 four-week old puppies. Buddy has already been adopted, while the two-year old female St. Bernard and 12 puppies have been placed in foster care, said police.

Beginning March 6, the mother St. Bernard and 12 puppies will be placed up for adoption through Pawfect Live Rescue in Uxbridge. Regional Animal Control and Douglas Police request all adoption requests go through Pawfect Life Rescue.

All donations in support of our furry friends should be sent to Uxbridge Animal Control Donation Account at Uxbridge Police Department, 275 Douglas St., Uxbridge MA 01569.

Photos via Douglas police