41-year old New Bedford man charged in viral animal cruelty case

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The following information has been released by the New Bedford Police Department:

Dogs do not appear injured, according to Tufts VETS; Police urge residents to contact 9-1-1 in any emergency situation

NEW BEDFORD – Miguel A. Martinez, 41, has been charged with animal cruelty in accordance with Massachusetts general laws Chapter 272, Section 77, after alleged cruelty to a dog in New Bedford.

Martinez was charged after police responded to his residence, 472 Cottage Street, on Wednesday, October 9, in response to reports of cruelty to an animal.

Dogs involved appear ‘un-injured’ according to Tuft VETS

An adult female dog and three puppies were seized and transported to Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment & Specialties (VETS) in Walpole. According to Tufts, the adult female appears to be physically uninjured although radiology reports are pending, and the puppies also appear to be physically uninjured.

Police seek further information from individual who recorded video evidence of animal cruelty allegations

On Wednesday afternoon, an individual arrived at the downtown New Bedford Police Station stating that he had video evidence of animal cruelty. The individual stated that he did not record the video and that it was sent to him anonymously. The individual shared the video with police, which shows an individual (allegedly Martinez) committing acts of animal cruelty. The video did not have a date or timestamp. The Animal Control Division contacted the Boston Animal Rescue League, which was working on a separate case in Bristol County, for assistance. The Animal Control Division contacted the Boston Animal Rescue League, and the downtown station was informed that Animal Control was investigating.

At approximately 5:02 p.m., New Bedford Police were dispatched to 472 Cottage Street to meet Animal Control officers regarding the report animal cruelty. Police had also received calls after the video had been posted to social media. When police arrived at the address, an individual at the address stated that she had arrived after seeing the video on Facebook and had driven there in order to confront the suspect. The individual stated she had parked in front of the address’s driveway in order to prevent the suspect from leaving the premises.

The individual who recorded the video has not been identified. That individual was not the individual who shared the video with police and has not come forward to police.

New Bedford Police ask that the individual who recorded the video, and anyone who may have further information on this case, contact Detective Division at 508-991-6300 ext. 79519 in order to assist in the investigation.

Police urge residents to contact 9-1-1 in any emergency, never to wait
New Bedford Police urge residents to contact 9-1-1 the event of any emergency, including animal cruelty as it is happening. While recording a video can certainly help provide valuable evidence to the police, calling 9-1-1 during a suspected crime as soon as possible is the best way to ensure police are able to respond and to ensure public safety.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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4 comments

  1. The person who recorded the video said on social media that they DID contact the PD immediately and the PD did NOT respond at first. They further stated that a police car drove past the abuser’s address quite a while later, but did not stop to investigate. Poster further stated on social media that they took the video to the PD in person. This article presents the story quite differently. Very confusing. I have seen the video, which sickened me to the core of my being. I sincerely hope, that given the video evidence, the abuser is punished to the fullest extent of the law. NO innocent animal should ever be subjected to such terror and fear. I sinerely hope that the dogs in question are never returned to the abuser; and, that he is banned from ever owning another animal!

  2. What’s the name of the person at Tufts VETS that says the dog was physically uninjured? Is this person ready to put their degree on the line here? We saw the videos, We heard the cries. Why did it take so long for this animal to get help? What is this dog owner allowed to walk the streets? If he does this in public, what’s going on behind closed doors?

  3. Animal cruelty is against the law or should be . The perpetrator should be punished and the dogs taken away to safety. As with child abuse the law should be swift and just.

  4. Cecelia Hennessey

    The dog beater gave them another dog that looks like the beaten one but IT IS NOT THE DOG THAT WAS BEATEN. He tricked the police and now he’s free and ‘God’ only knows where that poor dog is. Police didn’t do their job. It’s so hard to believe that nothing was done to help this poor defenseless dog. I am sickened by the video of him beating that dog. He needs to be caught asap and have the book thrown at him. WHY? is the question didn’t police do something about this?

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