Arrests made in connection to severely matted dog found in Westport
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Two people have been arrested and are facing animal cruelty charges in connection to a severely matted dog that was found wandering in Westport on June 5. Due to untreated conditions, the 8-year-old llasa apso had to undergo enucleation surgery, which rendered her permanently blind, and still requires procedures for dental decay and bladder stones.
Bella is being cared for by the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Thomas Burke, 42, and Kerry Burke, 43, both of Westport, have each been charged with animal cruelty by a custodian, according to a statement from police.
Westport police said in a statement that on June 10, the Animal Rescue League of Boston received an anonymous tip that the dog’s name was Bella and belonged to a family that also owned three dachshunds that were in poor health with “repulsive” nails.
Investigators went to the address provided in the tip and spoke with Thomas Burke, who allowed detectives to search his home, police said. Three dachshunds found in “bad condition” were immediately brought to a veterinarian by authorities, and evidence of Bella’s prior presence was collected.
Police said one dog had a severely long untreated nail that had begun to grow under its paw pad and another tested positive for giardia, a parasitic disease that can be passed to humans. All three dogs, in addition to Bella — renamed Jersey by rescue staff — have been surrendered to the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Thomas Burke turned himself in and Kerry Burke was arrested at the home, according to police.
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