Dog Breeders Arraigned for Animal Cruelty

A north-central Massachusetts couple whose 71 dachshunds were seized after authorities say the dogs were found in squalid conditions have been arraigned on animal cruelty charges.

Edward and Shirley Aguiar of Westminister appeared in Gardner District Court on Friday. Not guilty pleas to 14 counts of animal cruelty were entered on their behalf.

A judge barred them from owning any animals, except for their two pets.

The Aguiars ran Shirl's Whispering Winds dachshund breeding business at their home. Officials with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals say the 71 dogs were seized in January after some were found to be undernourished with matted fur, coated in their own waste and living in outdoor cages in freezing temperatures.

The Aguiars are due back in court April 24.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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