SOUTH BOSTON, Mass. — A 911 call about the death of a dog at a Boston apartment turned into a much larger animal cruelty investigation after police allegedly discovered six severely malnourished dogs inside the home.
According to prosecutors, 39-year-old Lester James called 911 after finding one of his dogs dead inside the apartment. Officers were sent to the residence on Old Colony Avenue in South Boston shortly before noon Monday.
What police allegedly found inside the apartment prompted animal control officers to remove six surviving dogs and led to James’ arrest.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said James told officers he was breeding dogs. Prosecutors also said he claimed that two other dogs had recently died—one allegedly killed and eaten by the dog whose death led to the 911 call, and another puppy that he said had been stepped on by his son.
Officers Find Emaciated Dogs Inside Apartment
When officers entered the apartment, they allegedly found troubling conditions. Prosecutors said an emaciated pitbull was chained to a wall in the kitchen, where it was surrounded by feces and urine stains.
In another room, officers allegedly found the dead dog, a pitbull named Gwap, lying on its side inside a cage. The animal was reportedly covered in dog feces and vomit.
Police then allegedly discovered another soiled cage containing three younger emaciated pitbulls. Prosecutors said one of those dogs was unable to put weight on one of its paws.
Two additional dogs were reportedly found in another room. They were described as an emaciated pitbull and a chihuahua. Animal control officers responded to the apartment and removed all six living dogs from the property.
Rescued Dogs Taken for Medical Care
Following the rescue, the dogs were taken to MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center, where they began receiving care. Boston Animal Care and Control said the animals were improving.
The condition of the dogs has raised serious concerns because prosecutors allege they had been living in severely neglected conditions inside the apartment.
The case also drew attention from a neighbor who said she had been hearing the dogs for months.
The woman, who identified herself only as Dawn, said she repeatedly contacted animal control over the past several months because of what she heard coming from the apartment.
“You could tell something bad was being done,” Dawn said.
She described hearing such intense yelping that she initially thought a dog had been struck by a car.
“That’s how bad it was yelping,” she said.
Her comments highlight concerns about how long the dogs may have been suffering before authorities ultimately removed them.
Man Faces Seven Counts of Animal Cruelty
James was arrested at the scene Monday, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said he was ordered held on $5,000 bail during his arraignment Tuesday.
He is facing seven counts of animal cruelty. It was not immediately clear whether James had an attorney who could speak on his behalf regarding the allegations.
During the police response, James reportedly offered an explanation for some of the circumstances inside the apartment.
Prosecutors said he told officers he did not know how a broken broomstick ended up inside Gwap’s cage. He allegedly suggested that someone may have broken into the apartment. However, officers reportedly found no signs of forced entry.
Investigation Continues After Dog Rescue
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the condition of the animals, the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the other dogs and the allegations against James.
The six rescued dogs remain under veterinary care as they recover.
The case has also renewed attention on the importance of reporting suspected animal neglect. In this situation, neighbors had reportedly raised concerns before police eventually became involved after the 911 call.
For now, the surviving dogs are receiving treatment, while the criminal case moves forward and authorities continue investigating what happened inside the South Boston apartment.
What do you think about the conditions investigators reportedly found inside the apartment? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you feel about the rescue of these six dogs.
