Dead dog found in Brockton yard

BROCKTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- An animal cruelty investigation is underway after one dead dog and three other starving dogs were in a Brockton yard Sunday afternoon.

Police responded to the home on Sunday after receiving a call from a neighbor. Investigators say the four pit bulls were left outside in 90-degree heat without food or water.

An Animal Control officer said when officers arrived, one pit bull was already dead and three others were in poor condition.

“I’m upset. I’m not angry, but I’m upset. It was good that they came and took the others away so -- prevent more things from happening,” said Bryant Corporen, who called police.

Corporen, who came to Montello Street to help his father move, called police after seeing one of the dogs gasping for air before the dog died.

Investigators say the animals had no access to food, water, or cool conditions.

“Very sad. He died right in front of my face. Right in front of me, I should say,” said Corporen.

In a police report, the three surviving dogs were described as dirty and malnourished, living in squalor, and the yard was covered in trash and empty aluminum pots, broken furniture and waist-high grass. One dog was tied to a fence.

“The dogs were left outside with no water, apparently the living conditions were pretty rancid -- pretty dirty. And it just sounded like all around a bad environment for the dogs,” said Rob Halpin, MSPCA spokesperson.

Residents are outraged by the news.

“No one should ever treat an animal like that,” said Sarah Espada, a resident.

The surviving dogs were taken to a shelter for care.

Cruelty to animals is a felony in Massachusetts. If the dogs’ owner is charged and convicted, he could face prison time and steep fines.