In the appalling case of animal cruelty involving a 3-year-old Pit Bull mix named Jobee, designated as the "worst case of intentional starvation" as stated by MSPCA on NBC Boston, the Boston Police Department arrested Lakeida Burris, the woman believed to be responsible for the dog's condition. The 36-year-old suspect from Roxbury was apprehended on August 23, 2023, by officers assigned to District E-13 (Jamaica Plain), according to Boston PD
Burris was under the spotlight in the Boston Police Department's Most Wanted list and had outstanding warrants sought out of Roxbury District Court on two counts of animal cruelty charges. Noteworthy, she had been previously charged by MSPCA’s Law Enforcement division back in May of 2022 after another dog she owned had to be euthanized due to neglect, as reported by WCVB.
Jobee's tragic story began when officers responded to the suspect's residence on an unrelated matter on July 4 and encountered the emaciated canine with open wounds as well as another underweight dog. NBC Boston notes that Jobee had been found in a cage reeking of urine and feces. Following the officers' departure, Burris allegedly proceeded to abandon Jobee next to a dumpster, where Boston Animal Control later retrieved him.
MSPCA-Angell Director Mike Keiley stated that he has never witnessed a dog so starved and yet still alive in his nearly three decades in animal welfare. Fortunately, Jobee's health seems to be improving, as the MSPCA begins to consider potential adopters for the resilient and loving canine, according to NBC Boston.
