The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) is conducting an investigation following a distressing video's emergence, which depicted a dog being struck with a leash in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood. The video was made public earlier this month, and according to a statement obtained by 7NEWS, it prompted a swift response from the animal protection organization and the community at large.
After viewers saw the video shared by Dorchester resident Johnae Johnson, which appeared showing an individual lashing out at the dog and harshly lifting it by its leash, the MSPCA was inundated with contacts from concerned individuals. "I was seeing the man being verbally abusive to the dog I was seeing him drag the dog hit it even swing it around that was the most unbelievable part for me," Johnson told 7NEWS. In response to the outcry, the dog, a 1-and-a-half-year-old pit bull mix named Pluto, was surrendered to the MSPCA-Angell on Friday.
MSPCA Angell Animal Protection Division Vice President Mike Keiley, referring to the incident captured on video, called it "outrageous and something that we find completely unacceptable" and recognized the community's calls for urgent action, as detailed in his interview with 7NEWS. Since the incident, Pluto has revealed a more playful side, giving kisses and showing affection to the shelter staff. Keiley highlighted Pluto's remarkable resilience and willingness to trust, describing him as "an energetic fun loving guy who definitely has loads of energy and lots of desire to play and goof around."
The dog, also identified by the MSPCA as a Catahoula leopard mix, exhibited no need for advanced medical treatment before being considered ready for a new home, as reported by WCVB. "We don’t know much about Pluto’s history, but it appears that he moved around a lot before he came to us,” said Deborah Bobek, director of the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center in her interview with WCVB. The MSPCA has also announced that Pluto's adoption fee will be waived during their Summer Ruff-Fresher adoptathon occurring shortly after his neuter surgery.
Members of the public who have additional information regarding the incident are being encouraged to reach out to the MSPCA with tips at 617-522-6008 or 800-628-5808, or tips can be submitted online. Boston Animal Control is providing support during the ongoing investigation into the matter.
