Clay Davenport
09-19-2004, 03:33 AM
TAUNTON, Mass. -- Four teenagers have been accused of vandalizing the home of a Taunton family and killing or torturing several of the family's pets.
Police say the damage was discovered on Aug. 27 by a neighbor who was caring for the pets while the family was vacationing in Maine.
The homeowner, William Humphrey, described the animal cruelty to the Enterprise of Brockton. He said a fish was taken out of its bowl and stomped to death. A cat was shot at close range with a pellet gun and may not survive. A lizard and a tortoise were soaked in bleach, and a parrot-like bird had several of its feathers yanked out.
Humphrey said the intruders also vandalized every room in the home, destroying furniture and electronic equipment, pouring out paint, smashing eggs and urinating on clothing.
Police say two guns and some jewelry were stolen from the home.
Arrested in connection with the break-in and rampage was Justin Ryan, 17, of Taunton, and three 16-year-olds.
Authorities say a police dog tracked down one of the boys, who confessed and implicated the others.
Link to story (http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/3732706/detail.html)
Police say the damage was discovered on Aug. 27 by a neighbor who was caring for the pets while the family was vacationing in Maine.
The homeowner, William Humphrey, described the animal cruelty to the Enterprise of Brockton. He said a fish was taken out of its bowl and stomped to death. A cat was shot at close range with a pellet gun and may not survive. A lizard and a tortoise were soaked in bleach, and a parrot-like bird had several of its feathers yanked out.
Humphrey said the intruders also vandalized every room in the home, destroying furniture and electronic equipment, pouring out paint, smashing eggs and urinating on clothing.
Police say two guns and some jewelry were stolen from the home.
Arrested in connection with the break-in and rampage was Justin Ryan, 17, of Taunton, and three 16-year-olds.
Authorities say a police dog tracked down one of the boys, who confessed and implicated the others.
Link to story (http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/3732706/detail.html)