BOSTON – Beautiful Charlotte is a happy, smiley, 14-month-old baby. She lights up watching Cocomelon on TV. Mom Emily says she’s always like this; a dream come true. But protecting this precious
ROWLEY – Following an FBI search last week, the owner of the Hydrant Regency dog kennel in Rowley has been charged with 39 counts of animal cruelty.
Rowley police announced Wednesday that the charges against owner April Bernhardt were the result of an investigation conducted with the MSPCA and Animal Rescue League of Boston. They said dozens of dogs were left in a storage trailer at the height of the summer heat wave without water or air conditioning and some with no room to turn around.
CBS Boston
Animal control reported the “concerning issues” at the kennel while returning some goats that got loose and were walking on Route 1 on August 27. An investigation followed, and the FBI’s evidence response team was called to search the kennel for evidence of dead dogs, police said.
Bernhardt was at Newburyport District Court on Wednesday as the prosecutor described conditions in the trailer.
“The trailer had two windows and two running fans from each window, but no running AC. Again, that was 90.6 degrees inside that trailer. The officer actually left the building due to the heat, smell and noise,” the prosecutor said. “Dogs that were bigger in size did not appear to have enough room to stand up in the crates or turn around if they wished to stand.”
Thirty-seven dogs were reunited with their owners. Bernhardt’s attorney, Ted Cranney, said the conditions were not humane. “All the dogs when they were transferred to other kennels, it was not reported they were in distress that they were dehydrated…”
However, investigators said numerous people reported their dogs had worms, sores and limps. One fatality was reported.
The Hydrant Regency has been closed since August 29. The MSPCA took custody of the goats. Bernhardt posted $3,000 cash bail and was ordered not to possess any dogs.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A daycare operating illegally has been shut down following the death of a 2-month-old child.
The illegal daycare was being operated out of an apartment complex at 1000 Thompson Place, according to Metro Police and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. An investigation was launched after an infant died Monday while being cared for by a woman at the daycare.
The child had no obvious signs of trauma or abuse, Metro Youth Services detectives said, but an autopsy has been ordered.
A medical examiner will have to determine the infant’s cause of death. Authorities will decide whether criminal charges are warranted based on autopsy results.
The Department of Children’s Services will be investigating the illegal daycare.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Copyright 2022 WSMV. All rights reserved.
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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — In West Philadelphia, a woman has adopted a community, especially its kids, hoping to keep them safe. CBS3 introduces you to Rose’s Clubhouse in this week’s story of Brotherly Love.
On Friday afternoons, children flock to the Lucien E. Blackwell Community Center under the watchful eye of Rose Bryant.
“For some reason, I’m like a magnet to children,” Bryant said.
This is Rose’s Clubhouse at the hangout, a free program at the Blackwell Community Center, that keeps kids busy on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“She was always doing things like this as I was growing up,” 16-year-old volunteer Destini Lewis said. “No matter if it was like block parties, bookbag giveaways.”
At the clubhouse, there are opportunities for kids to paint, to grab a book from reading coaches, to play on the computer, or just to bounce around a ball. There’s plenty of food and snacks too. Volunteers help Bryant to keep it going.
“We may not be able to take away the things that happen to them that are very toxic that play on their mental health,” volunteer Rachel Honore said, “but what we can show them is, when they come here a decent meal, some love, a brain break.”
The mission is to give children a safe place, in an area where gun violence is too common.
“If people don’t feel no love,” Bryant said, “then they do dumb stuff.”
Bryant is always there to chat, although she says she doesn’t put up with bullies.
“You will get an hour-long sermon from me,” she said. “They don’t want that.”
Rose’s Clubhouse organizes outings like a late-summer trip to Dorney Park, free for the kids.
“Whenever somebody calls me, and they say they’ll provide a bus for the kids, we’re going,” Bryant said.
Bryant says it’s essential for all of the community to get involved.
“We have to take care of our children,” she said. “Whether they’re yours or not.”
Bryant says she wants to hear from people who can share some time with the children. You can reach her at 215-900-5871 or by email at [email protected].
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