SOUTHBRIDGE – An anonymous tip to Southbridge Police led to an investigation by the local Animal Control Officer and the Animal Rescue League [ARL] of Boston that left Jacqueline Baldina, 58, and Ryan Fisher, 41, both of Southridge, facing cruelty to animals charges.
According to the Southbridge Police Department, on Wednesday, August 15, the anonymous tip reported that Fisher had made comments on his Facebook page that he had “choked his dog to sleep because sleeping pills didn’t work.”
During the investigation, the Southbridge Animal Control Officer and members of ARL went to the shared residence of Baldina and Fisher. Baldina admitted she had given her 12-year-old dog, Beau, five milligrams of Lorazepam. Beau later passed away.
Baldina described Fisher as a roommate.
Baldina also admitted that Fisher was both at the house and at some point alone with the dog while she was in another room.
The investigation revealed that the dog was having medical issues due to advanced age, but that Baldina did not consult with a veterinarian. Baldina also did not consult with a veterinarian about end-of-life euthanasia options for her dog. Investigators also determined that a veterinarian did not prescribe the medication.
The animal control officer also confirmed that the dog was buried in the backyard of the residence.
When a member of the ARL contacted Fisher, he admitted that he had choked the animal shortly after Baldina issued the drug to the dog.
Fisher also claimed that Baldina was aware of his intentions to end the animal’s life.
The dog’s corpse was exhumed as evidence in the investigation. A necropsy report indicated that the cause of death was due to trauma placed on the windpipe of the dog.
Both Baldina and Fisher were arrested for Cruelty to Animals.
Baldina was held on $540 cash bail.
Fisher, who was out on bail related to another criminal matter, is currently being held at the Worcester County House of Correction on $2,500 cash bail.
