Freetown Woman Charged with Animal Cruelty

A 21-year-old woman faces animal cruelty charges after authorities found three dead dogs and dozens of other neglected pets at a home on Howland Road in the Assonet section of Freetown.

Miranda Rosyski is due to be arraigned on 13 counts of animal cruelty at Fall River District Court on March 3.

Law enforcement officer with the MSPCA removed 18 goats and nine dogs from the property on Jan. 9. Three dogs were found dead at the scene. The surviving animals were reportedly under-nourished. They have been placed on specialized re-feeding programs, and two of the dogs are being treated for heartworm, according to the MSPCA.

“The allegations in this case are disturbing. We appreciate the efforts of the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement Department in contacting us and working with us to fully investigate this very serious matter,” said Bristol District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III.

Six of the dogs, including redbone coonhounds, standard poodles and one black labrador, were well enough to be placed, and have since been adopted into new homes. Three dogs remain in the care of the MSPCA and two are being treated for heartworm, according to the MSPCA.

The goats, described as Nigerian Dwarfs, are recovering at the MSPCA Nevins Farm in Methuen. Three goats died shortly after arriving at Nevins Farm, despite efforts by staff and volunteers to assist in their recovery. Fifteen are now available for adoption, including four goats who are pregnant.

Would-be adopters are encouraged to visit the MSPCA’s Nevins Farm Adoption Center in Methuen to meet the remaining dogs, all female redbone coonhounds: four-year-old Fancy; Bella, aged seven; and Peyton, aged three. Hours and directions can be found at mspca.org.

“We are focusing our energies on restoring the health of the surviving animals; we believe they will make wonderful pets, and we hope adopters will visit us this week to meet them in person,” said Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell.