A 27-year-old Taunton man was arraigned in Brockton District Court Tuesday on animal cruelty charges, in connection with what was referred to by a rescue organization as “one of the worst starvation cases they had ever seen.”
Devin Preeper was released on personal recognizance and ordered not to own any domesticated animals.
The Commonwealth had requested Preeper be held on $25,000 cash bail.
During a traffic stop on November 24th, West Bridgewater Police saw the severely emaciated dog in his vehicle.
Authorities say Preeper originally told police he found the dog the night before.
Police say he later charged the story to having owned her for 6 to 8 months and not being able to care for her.
He also allegedly said the dog had inadvertently consumed birth control pills and UTI medication.
The puppy, a “Puggle”, or Pug-Beagle mix, renamed “Sprout” required 24/7 medical care and was treated at Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment and Specialties, and the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts.
Sprout has since gained weight and started to slowly recover.
Preeper is due back in court on February 17th.