In what marks a turning point for the welfare of neglected animals in Plymouth, a South Shore woman from Plympton is now grappling with the consequences of her actions. Jenifer Rogers, 42, is poised to face 12 counts of animal cruelty charges. This decision by authorities comes after a disturbing discovery on her property in late September, where over a hundred animals were found in dire straits.
On September 22, a search was conducted at Rogers' residence on Lake Street, leading to the shocking find. According to the Plymouth District Attorney's Office, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) alongside local law enforcement were called to the scene post reports of severe neglect. The MSPCA had tried previously to investigate, but Rogers' lack of cooperation made it impossible to fully assess the situation up until now. “The MSPCA had received prior reports of potential neglect at the Lake Street home, but was unable to access the property due to a lack of cooperation from Rogers, who was residing there,” detailed a statement obtained by Boston 25 News.
It was a ghastly situation as inspections revealed numerous animals living in substandard conditions with evidence of previous fatalities among them. As mentioned on Boston 25 News, "several animals living in inadequate shelters with a lack of food or water" and "dead livestock in the immediate vicinity of live animals" were just some of the grim realities on Rogers' property, as described by the District Attorney's office.
Ultimately, on the day following the search, 116 animals were rescued and subsequently taken to MSPCA shelters in Cape Cod and Methuen. Rogers was allowed to surrender any animals she could no longer care for. As per the findings stated by Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz's office and reported by WCVB, “Examinations of the animals following their removal from Rogers' residence found clear and consistent signs of neglect." The MSPCA noted the seizure included a mix of 99 farm birds like chickens and turkeys, domestic companions such as dogs and cats, and several goats.
Rogers is scheduled to address these charges in court on November 3.
