Marion Man Faces Animal Cruelty Charge

A Marion man faces charges after police executed a search warrant at his home and found an emaciated dog being kept inside a cage, according to Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli.

Brandon R. Davis, 26, was arrested Thursday night and charged with cruelty to an animal and possession of ammunition without a firearms ID card, Nighelli said in a news release.

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, Animal Control Officer Susan Connor received a complaint about a pitbull-type dog being kept by Davis inside a Mill Street home. The party expressed concern for the well-being of the animal, which was reportedly confined in tight quarters and only let outside a few times per day to urinate or defecate. The tipster also reported unsanitary conditions inside the dog's cage, and said the dog was emaciated.

Connor went to the home Wednesday and attempted to speak with Davis, but was unable to make contact with anyone inside the home. She said while there, she observed a dead chicken on the ground outside the home.

Marion Police on Thursday obtained and executed a search warrant for the home.

Officers say they found a female pitbull-type dog inside a cage. They said the dog appeared to be emaciated and had blood on its tail. Officers say they observed animal waste, dirty rags, scattered dried dog food and overturned water bowls with no sign of drinking water inside the cage.

The dog was immediately seized by Connor and transported to Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists for treatment and care. The dog is expected to make a full recovery but will likely require extensive treatment and rehabilitation, Nighelli said.

During their search of the home, officers say they also located ammunition.

Davis was arrested at his home without incident and initially released on $340 bail. He was expected to be arraigned Friday in Wareham District Court.

"I'd like to commend ACO Connor, Detective Scott Smith, Officer Jonathan Castro and Sergeant Sean Day for their diligent work throughout this investigation, which resulted in an animal being removed from poor conditions," Nighelli stated. "I'd also like to thank Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists for their work providing care and treatment to the dog."

The Marion Police Department is accepting donations to the PAUS Fund, a town fund that aids in the placement and care of animals, to assist in covering the cost of the dog's veterinary care. Anyone interested in donating to the fund may mail a check to:

Marion Police Department
550 Mill St.
P.O. Box 636
Marion, MA 02738
Attn: PAUS Fund

Checks should be made out to the Town of Marion with a memo of "PAUS Fund."