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April Bernhardt, the owner of Hydrant Regency, is facing 39 counts of animal cruelty and other charges following an investigation that started earlier this month, Rowley Police said.
On Aug. 29, several police officers were called to help return four goats who were wandering on Route 1 after breaking free from their enclosure near Hydrant. When police returned the goats, they found some 30 dogs in conditions that posed probable evidence of animal cruelty.
Hydrant was apparently operating without electricity and the center was being cooled by fans, as previously reported by Daily Voice. About half of the dogs were then sent home and the other half were taken to rescue shelters until their owners could pick them up. Hydrant later said the center would be closed for "kennel improvements" a day after the incident.
"We have an electrical issue that needs immediate attention. Once this has been addressed, we will be back open for business," Hydrant said on Facebook. "We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time."
While the animals appeared to be in reasonably good health, a joint investigation by Rowley Police, the MSPCA-Angell and Animal Rescue League of Boston was launched. The FBI also helped look for evidence of any dead dogs but police did say if any evidence was found.
The center has been closed ever since and the goats are now in custody of the MSPCA, police added. Bernhardt surrendered to police on Wednesday, Sept. 14 and is expected to be arraigned in Newburyport District Court later the same day.
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