Boston police were dispatched just before noon on Monday after a 911 caller reported finding his pit‑bull, Gwap, dead inside his apartment on Old Colony Avenue. When officers arrived, the resident, 39‑year‑old Lester James, told them he had left the unit roughly 24 hours earlier and discovered the deceased dog along with another pit‑bull that had a swollen face.
Discovery of multiple neglected dogs
Inside the kitchen, officers found an emaciated pit‑bull chained to a wall, surrounded by feces and urine stains. In a separate room, Gwap’s body lay on its side in a cage, covered in dog feces and vomit. A third cage in the same room held three younger pit‑bulls, all severely underweight; one could not bear weight on a paw. A fourth room contained two additional dogs – a pit‑bull and a chihuahua – also in a state of extreme malnutrition.
James claimed he did not know how a broken broomstick had entered Gwap’s cage and suggested someone else might have broken it, though officers saw no signs of forced entry.
Arrest and charges
James was arrested at the scene and later held on $5,000 bail during his arraignment on Tuesday. Prosecutors have charged him with seven counts of animal cruelty, though it was not immediately clear whether he had retained legal counsel.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the charges and noted that the case underscores the seriousness of animal‑cruelty offenses in the city.
Animals receive medical care
The six surviving dogs were taken into custody by Boston Animal Care and Control and transferred to the MSPCA‑Angell Animal Medical Center. Staff there reported that the animals are now in treatment and showing signs of improvement.
Boston Animal Care and Control emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to report any signs of animal neglect or abuse. “When neighbors speak up, we can intervene before animals suffer irreparable harm,” a spokesperson said.
Community response
Local animal‑welfare advocates praised the swift police response and the dedication of the MSPCA‑Angell staff. They called for stronger enforcement of existing animal‑protection laws and urged the city to consider additional resources for routine inspections of multi‑dog households.
Mayor Michelle Wu’s office has not yet commented on the case, but the incident adds to ongoing discussions about how Boston can better protect vulnerable animals while respecting responsible pet owners.
What residents can do
Boston residents who suspect animal cruelty are encouraged to call 311 or the local police non‑emergency line. Providing details such as the address, description of the animals, and any observed neglect can help authorities act quickly.
Authorities remind the public that animal cruelty is a felony in Massachusetts, carrying significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Prompt reporting can save lives and ensure that those who mistreat animals are held accountable.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
