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