WEST BRIDGEWATER — Police say a 27-year-old Taunton man will be summonsed to court to face an animal cruelty charge after officers discovered a severely underweight puppy during a traffic stop.
According to a statement from West Bridgewater Police Chief Timothy Nixon, the investigation began on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at around 11:49 a.m., when Officer Alexandra Maloney stopped a vehicle on North Main Street after observing it run a red light. During the stop, Officer Maloney “observed what appeared to be a significantly underweight dog in the vehicle.”
Police said the 9-month-old puppy, named Sprout, was transported to Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital, where she received medical care. A follow-up investigation assisted by Sergeant Russell Regan determined the driver was Sprout’s owner and that the dog was “severely malnourished.”
After treatment, Sprout was transferred to the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts, where her condition “is slowly improving,” according to police. The center is raising funds to support her recovery.
“We express our gratitude for the Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital and the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts,” Lieutenant Jonathan Craven said. “With their efforts, we are confident Sprout will be surrounded by the highest quality of care and support as she starts a long road to recovery.”
Police said the suspect’s identity cannot be released because the court has not yet issued a criminal complaint.