- Massachusetts, USA -
An investigation into illegal drug selling, led to the arrest of 23-year-old STEVEN RIOS JR. (pictured below), of 84 Salem Street.
RIOS, who is a known local gang member, was arrested Friday, December 4, and charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty including illegal dog tethering and confining and illegal ear cropping.
The investigation also led to the seizure of three Microbully puppies (miniature Pitbulls) in November.
The furbabies, Draco, Runtz and Chanelle, are now in the custody of Lawrence Animal Control Officer Ellen Bistany.
Police say the pups are doing well and thriving but previously required emergency veterinary care because they had ear infections, worms and may have ingested marijuana in the Salem Street home.
Police also say the pups’ ears were cut or cropped, to make the dogs look tougher or possibly for fighting other dogs.
The Eagle-Tribune reports that RIOS’ father told Officer Bistany the puppies were his and wanted to claim them back.
However, when Officer Bistany rightfully asked him for proof of ownership, he could not provide it.
Father and son were also unable to provide paperwork explaining why two of the puppies' ears were cropped.
According to The Eagle-Tribune, police said that Officer Bistany found an Instagram page where RIOS posted multiple pictures of the puppies with their natural ears, but pictures posted later, showed the puppies with their ears cropped.
Officer Bistany took screenshots of the pictures and they were submitted as evidence.
The reports note RIOS is not a veterinarian and allegedly caused or mutilated the two puppies' ears.
Furthermore, RIOS also “failed to provide a sanitary environment” for the puppies.
As reported by The Eagle-Tribune, detectives will be seeking animal cruelty charges against RIOS’ girlfriend, 23-year-old girlfriend AALIYAH HERNANDEZ.
In November, RIOS and HERNANDEZ, were arrested on illegal possession and distribution of narcotics charges after detectives raided their apartment and seized four pounds of marijuana, including edible versions, and more than $2,800 cash.
RIOS was scheduled to appear in Lawrence District Court for a dangerousness hearing to determine whether he is a danger to himself or the community at-large.
I have not found any updates so I will send out some emails and If I learn new details, I will post them.
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