Taunton Man With Severely Starved Puppy Arraigned on Animal Cruelty Charge

BROCKTON (WBSM) — The Taunton man charged with cruelty to animals after his dog was found severely malnourished was arraigned this morning in Brockton District Court.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz announced that Devin Preeper, 27, appeared in court on one count of animal cruelty. He was released on personal recognizance and ordered not to own any domesticated animals.

Cruz said the Commonwealth had requested Preeper be held on $25,000 cash bail. Preeper is next scheduled to appear in court on February 17.

What Police Found During the Traffic Stop

The charge dates back to November 24, when West Bridgewater Police pulled Preeper’s vehicle over for a red light violation. During the traffic stop, the officers noticed a severely emaciated puppy in the vehicle.

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Defendant’s Explanation Raises Questions

Preeper, the driver of the vehicle, told police he found the dog the night before in the area of Copeland Street in Brockton and was caring for it. He said he did not call police or animal control since it was late in the evening, but that he had called Brockton Animal control that morning.

“While portions of the defendant’s story were corroborated – Preeper did make a call to Brockton Animal Control on November 24 prior to the traffic stop – responding officers remained skeptical of him finding and taking in the puppy the night before,” the D.A.’s Office said.

READ MORE: Traffic Stop Uncovers Severely Malnourished Puppy in West Bridgewater

The officers told Preeper to take the dog to Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital in West Bridgewater for evaluation. While there, he admitted to officers he had owned the puppy for about six to eight months and had been unable to properly care for it. Preeper also told police that the puppy had inadvertently consumed birth control pills and UTI medication during the time he had the dog.

Preeper agreed to surrender the puppy and was informed he would be charged with animal cruelty.

Veterinarians Describe Severe Starvation

The puppy, since renamed Sprout, was taken to the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts for further medical treatment.

“Personnel at the shelter noted this is one of the worst starvation cases they had seen and added Sprout required 24/7 care due to the puppy’s extreme physical condition,” the D.A.’s Office said. Sprout also received care at Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment & Specialties.