Crime

Brookline woman charged with animal cruelty after 2 dogs found in poor condition

Both of the dogs have since been restored to health and rehomed, MSPCA said.

By Emily Spatz

March 20, 2024

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A Brookline woman is facing animal cruelty charges involving two separate dogs, one of which is a Golden Retriever puppy that was rescued in “emaciated” condition in January, officials said. 

Mary Sellitto, 29, is scheduled to be arraigned next week on two counts of animal cruelty and one count of misleading investigators, MSPCA Law Enforcement announced Wednesday. 

Sellitto’s charges are partially related to Brooke, a Golden Retriever puppy that was found in Brookline in late January. Rescuers described the dog as “emaciated” and in “bad shape” when she arrived at MSPCA’s shelter. 

Another “very underweight” dog was found at the woman’s home and removed on Feb. 2.

At the time, officers were seeking information about Brooke’s owner. 

“We asked the public for assistance identifying Brooke’s owner shortly after she came to the hospital, and we’re grateful for their interest in helping this dog,” said MSPCA Law Enforcement Director Tom Grenham in a statement. “We’re glad our Law Enforcement team was able to bring this investigation to conclusion.”

Brooke has since found a permanent home with the person who fostered her, and the adoption became official March 11, MSPCA said in a post. The other dog is also now in good health and has been adopted, according to MSPCA. 

Sellitto is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. at Brookline District Court on March 25. The charge of misleading investigators is a felony that carries up to 10 years in prison. Animal cruelty is also a felony that carries up to seven years in prison.