A New Bedford man has been arrested and faces nine animal cruelty charges after police stumble upon multiple malnourished animals while investigating a hit and run.

According to a release from Det. Capt. Steven Vicente, police arrived at 15 Bream Street searching for Danny Santos, 43, at approximately 3:10 AM Saturday. Police were seeking Santos in connection to a hit and run incident on Capitol Street. Police found the vehicle involved but not the suspect.

While peering through a window, Officer Jason Orlando saw multiple animals that appeared to be malnourished and several dogs barking.

Officers eventually entered the home with Animal Control Officer Cheryl Jackson. Inside they found feces strewn throughout the home and two dead cats. Other animals were alive but in distress.

A total of seven dogs were taken from the home and one cat, all in different stages of malnutrition.

After checking out a shed in the backyard, officers found skeletal remains of approximately seven chickens and three rabbits.

Santos was placed under arrest when he arrived home on foot at approximately 6:30 AM. He will be arraigned Monday morning in New Bedford District Court.

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