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Massachusetts animal-welfare groups report sharp rise in cruelty calls
The MSPCA received 641 calls about suspected animal cruelty or neglect in the first nine months of 2026, up nearly 26% from the same period two years earlier. Advocates say the increase may reflect both greater awareness and more people struggling to care for their pets.
Calls to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals about suspected animal cruelty and neglect rose nearly 26% over two years, while advocates say the numbers do not show whether abuse itself is becoming more common.
The MSPCA received 510 calls during the first nine months of 2024, 546 during the same period in 2025 and 641 in the first nine months of 2026, according to data provided to WBZ-TV’s I-Team. The organization says added officers and increased publicity about cruelty cases may be encouraging more people to report concerns.
“More awareness of animal cruelty drives more people to call,” said Chris Schindler of the MSPCA.
Recent cases have drawn attention to the severity of alleged abuse and the consequences for those convicted. In September, 39-year-old Lester James was accused of killing two dogs and abusing others in his South Boston apartment. Police said they found emaciated dogs in dirty cages without water and a dead dog. James has pleaded not guilty.
In a separate case, Kimberly Savino, 44, of Middleboro pleaded guilty in March to 26 counts of animal abuse and neglect. Prosecutors sought jail time, but the judge imposed a suspended sentence and probation. Savino had previously faced an animal-cruelty charge.
Animal cruelty and neglect are felonies in Massachusetts, said Karen LoStracco of the Animal Rescue League of Boston. She said advocates are concerned that penalties do not always reflect the seriousness of the conduct.
The Animal Rescue League investigated 634 cases over the past three years. LoStracco said financial and other difficulties affecting people can also put pets at risk, and the goal is to intervene before conditions worsen.
The MSPCA has 10 officers covering the state, while the Animal Rescue League has three. Municipal police also respond to animal-cruelty calls, but local departments may lack specialized investigative training. The MSPCA is working to expand training for officers, Schindler said, noting that animal cruelty is linked with violence against people.
Both organizations say community reports are important to investigations. Suspected abuse or neglect can be reported anonymously, and a report may help connect an animal with assistance.