Photo: Getty Images
BYFIELD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The owner of two dog-sitting locations in both Salisbury and Byfield has been charged with animal cruelty.
The Essex District Attorney's Office said in a statement that 34-year-old Jennifer Ford of Byfield was arraigned on Wednesday on three counts of Cruelty to Animals in Newburyport District Court. Ford was held without bail overnight into Thursday, when she faced a dangerousness hearing.
Ford owns and operates Seacoast Canine, police say.
A judge found Ford to be dangerous and released her on a $5,000 cash bail, ordering her to stay at least a hundred feet away from business animals and not to work with or possess any animals other than those she currently owns. According to officials, Ford owns three dogs, two cats, six goats, four alpacas, and chickens.
Read More: Cambridge Police Search For Suspect In Porter Square Sexual Assault
Ford was also ordered to allow law enforcement or animal control to enforce court order, stay away from and have no contact with case witnesses except for written communication on employment or business material.
Salisbury Police said they began the investigation into Ford after they received a report of animal abuse from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. From that investigation, police say they have uncovered three separate alleged incidents that date as far back as 2021.
According to Seacoast Canine's website, Ford earned a bachelor's degree in Animal Behavior from the University of New England.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App