Bella, a Portuguese Water Dog pup, was abused with kicking and burning with a hot poker, allegedly by Paulo Raposo of Morton Street in Fairhaven. She is now at the Fairhaven Animal Shelter. Photo courtesy of the Fairhaven Police Department.
By Beth David, Editor
Paulo Raposo, 45, of 7 Morton Street, Fairhaven, was arraigned on 8/16/18 on animal cruelty charges stemming from a complaint filed back in June.
On 6/18/18, Fairhaven Police were called to the residence on a report of a case of animal abuse. When they arrived, police were informed that Mr. Raposo frequently kicked and dragged a 1 1/2 year old Portuguese Water Dog, and had burned the pet with a hot poker.
The dog, “Bella,” was removed from the home and was examined by a veterinarian,
Bella, a Portuguese Water Dog pup, was abused with kicking and burning with a hot poker, allegedly by Paulo Raposo of Morton Street in Fairhaven. She is now at the Fairhaven Animal Shelter. Photo courtesy of the Fairhaven Police Department.
who confirmed the burns on Bella were “consistent with being deliberate in nature,” according to a police press release in June.
On July 2, Mr. Raposo voluntarily went to the Fairhaven Police Station where he was interviewed by Officer Scott Coelho and admitted to kicking and burning the dog with a piece of hot metal from his fire pit
Mr. Raposo was charged with cruelty to animals. The law was recently changed to being a felony punishable by up to 2 ½ years in the house of correction. If convicted, he will be placed on a “Do Not Adopt” list which will prohibit him from being able to adopt any pet from an animal shelter.
Bella has been in the custody of the Fairhaven Animal Shelter since June.
According to Fairhaven Animal Control Officer Terry Cripps, Bella is “doing great at the shelter.”
“She is getting a lot of attention for our staff,” said Mr. Cripps.
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