Nicole Hutcheon
A Tewksbury, Massachusetts Senior Care Director, Nicole Hutcheon, 33, has been officially charged with three counts of animal cruelty after two deceased German Shepherds were found in her possession while they were in her care. She was a foster home for an agency that fosters dogs according to a press release by the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office. Hutcheon who works for the Office of Aging has also been charged with one count of witness intimidation.
Her arraignment was done over the phone.
A request for the Tewksbury Animal Control to do a wellness check on a dog allegedly in Hutcheon’s care was asked by the agency who fosters the dogs when she failed to file updates for the care of a German Shepherd. Animal control stated there was concern for other dogs in her care including a German Shepherd puppy.
Investigators who visited the Senior Care Director’s home learned the German Shepherd was deceased and she failed to report it. The death was found to be caused by starvation. The puppy was found to be underweight. And a third German Shepherd that was adopted by Hutcheon previously was also deceased with the defendant attempting to hide the dog’s remains.
Hutcheon was released on her own recognizance by Judge Ellen Caulo who ordered her not to adopt any new animals. She must also submit to unannounced visits from animal control regarding an emotional support dog which is still in her custody. I’m confused as to why they allowed the emotional support dog to stay in her custody since two deceased dogs were found in her home and a third dog canine was underweight.
Hutcheon’s next court date is June 23, 2020.
Hutcheon’s job with the Council on Aging is currently under review by officials and has been currently placed on unpaid leave until further notice.
The investigation is ongoing by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Tewksbury Police.
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein is a television talk show host, speaker, writer, and an unabashed animal advocate. Her love for animals and quest for the hard truth is what drives her passion for all things animals. She hosts the television show, “A Close Up Look at Animal Welfare Issues.” She adores her tripawd, Brody, who was a formerly abused pup who lost his leg because of cruelty inflicted upon him. If you’d like Tina to talk to your group or have a story, please email her at tevangelistaepp@yahoo.com. Like https:www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookatAnimalWelfareIssues and be sure to check out AnimalWelfareIssues.com.
She needs to be fired and get jail time. Sicko.