Rochester man charged with 21 counts of animal cruelty

As the result of a state required animal and barn inspection conducted Tuesday afternoon, Rochester Animal Control Officer Anne Estabrook uncovered a farm with deplorable conditions and sick and dead animals. Estabrook reported her discovery to the Rochester Police who in turn opened a criminal investigation for animal cruelty.

Rochester Police Detective Donald Kemmett applied for and was granted a search warrant for the property located at 953 Walnut Plain Road in Rochester. The search warrant was executed at 5:42PM by Detective Kemmett, Sgt. Robert Small and Officer Robert Nordahl; they were also assisted by the Animal Rescue League of Boston, Rochester Animal Control and a Portuguese speaking officer from the Middleboro Police.

Investigators found 23 animals which included dogs, pigs, cows, goats, and rabbits living in deplorable conditions. The animals lacked adequate food and shelter, were housed in pens filled with mud, garbage and feces, all appeared to be malnourished, many were sick and one baby cow was found dead on the property. The pigs were being fed co-mingled garbage which did not appear to have been cooked first as required by law. Two unlicensed dogs were also located on the property.

A veterinarian had to be called to the scene to care for and feed the animals. The vet determined that the animals were all suffering from neglect and were in various degrees of suffering. She felt that some of the animals were near death and that one baby cow would likely die overnight.

While on the scene, officers observed numerous violations of health and building codes so the Town Building Inspector and Board of Health Agent were called to the scene. The Rochester Conservation Agent also responded to the scene to investigate potential wetland violations.

During the execution of the search warrant, the property owner arrived on scene. With help from the Portuguese speaking officer from Middleboro Police, investigators confirmed the animals belonged to him. After brief questioning, police arrested 41 year old Daniel V. Pacheco of 953 Walnut Plain Road, Rochester on 21 counts of animal cruelty which is a felony. Each count carries a sentence of up to 7 years in state prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. After his arrest, Pacheco agreed to surrender all of his animals.

Lt. Alan Borgal from the Animal Rescue League of Boston took a dead baby cow from the scene. The cow will be taken to Boston for an animal autopsy called a “necropsy” to determine when it died and how. Animal Control Officers took the dogs and rabbits to an area shelter.

All remaining animals except for the pigs were removed with the assistance of a local live stock dealer who will attempt to nurse the animals back to health. The pigs were quarantined for health law reasons and will not be able to be removed from the property until they have a blood test done later today by state officials. If the pigs are found to be healthy, they will also be removed by a live stock dealer. If they are found to be diseased, they will be put down in accordance with law.

Pacheco was transported from the scene to the Rochester Police Station where he was booked on the charges. He was later released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Wareham District Court this morning for arraignment. He will also be facing action by the Town for various health and building code violations discovered during the investigation.

Rochester Police Chief Paul Magee praised the work of his officers and detective, moving so quickly on this case and putting an end to the neglect and suffering by the animals. “I could not believe the conditions I saw at this location, it was horrendous.” Magee also praised the team efforts of the state and town officials in this case. “When you put a team like this together, the best possible outcome is achieved. All these disciplines working together put an immediate end to the abuse these animals were suffering from.”