Massachusetts Woman Arraigned on 30 Counts of Animal Cruelty

Ruth Maxant-Schulz, a 77-year-old resident of Ayer, Massachusetts, faced an arraignment on Monday, charged with 30 counts of animal cruelty following a distressing discovery at her Taft Street residence. The case unraveled after a routine well-being check on February 20 uncovered a scene of horror, with numerous animals found deceased or severely mistreated.

Officials from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan’s office and Ayer Police Chief Brian Gill expressed shock at the conditions encountered during the search. Upon arrival at the property, law enforcement witnessed a distressing sight: animals, including ponies, goats, and ducks, living in squalor. The grim reality became even more apparent upon closer inspection, with officers discovering deceased animals both inside and outside the house, amidst trash, feces, and debris.

Among the disturbing finds were three deceased baby goats inside the residence, alongside two more in dire condition. An additional search on February 23, authorized by a warrant, revealed further distressing scenes, including a dog crate housing various fowl without access to food or water, and an injured goat limping around with a broken leg.

In total, 162 animals were seized during the execution of the warrants, ranging from goats and chickens to ponies and a dog. The severity of the situation prompted Judge Tejal Mehta to impose stringent conditions upon Maxant-Schulz, including a prohibition on possessing, working with, or living with animals, as well as restrictions on unsupervised contact with them.

Ahimsa by Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

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