A 32-year-old New Bedford woman is facing an animal cruelty charge after police said surveillance video showed her repeatedly punching an 8-month-old puppy in the face inside a building stairwell. The dog, now identified as Ace, was found with a swollen eye socket and bruising across his head and body before being taken in by animal control.
Officers Called to Barker's Lane Apartment
New Bedford police officers were called on Oct. 8 to assist New Bedford Police Animal Control with an animal cruelty investigation at an apartment on Barker's Lane, according to WCVB. Investigators said surveillance footage appeared to show Female Mojica repeatedly striking and physically assaulting the young dog in a stairwell at the building. Police said Mojica was arrested after the video surfaced showing her punching the puppy in the face, and she was ultimately charged with animal cruelty.
Ace himself was found at a separate residence from where the alleged assault was recorded, per the same report. Officials said the puppy had visible bruising to his head and body, including a swollen eye socket.
Puppy Surrendered, Treated, and Relocated
Mojica surrendered Ace to animal control, which took the dog into its care, the station's report states. Ace was then examined and treated at an animal hospital before being transferred to Forever Paws Animal Shelter.
Anyone with information about suspected animal abuse is asked to contact New Bedford Animal Control at 508-991-6366 or New Bedford police at 508-991-6300, the outlet noted.
What Massachusetts Law Says About Cruelty Convictions
Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 272, Section 77, a person convicted of cruelty to an animal is barred from working in any capacity that requires contact with an animal, including jobs at shelters, animal-control facilities, pet shops, and grooming businesses. The same statute specifies that, upon conviction, a defendant forfeits custody of the animal involved to an incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals or for the care of homeless or suffering animals.
Another Recent New Bedford Case
A separate animal welfare case in New Bedford occurred in 2024. In early July 2024, New Bedford Animal Control rescued 21 dogs from a home after finding them living in unsanitary and dangerous conditions, according to WBSM. That investigation prompted 39 animal cruelty charges against the homeowner, with some of the dogs found kept in attic cages where temperatures had reached triple digits.
