Town officials confirmed to FOX25 that David Robson, Tyngsborough's Animal Control officer since 2011, was put on paid administrative leave last week after the allegations came to light.
MSPCA and officials with Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources began investigating David Robson's wife, Susan Robson, after a Yorkshire terrier purchased from her home business, "Just Pups," fell ill and died.
According to court documents, a Dracut couple purchased the Yorkie, named "Bubbie," from Just Pups in July 2015.
Soon after, Bubbie fell ill with diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy, according to state records.
Bubbie's new owners took him to a Dracut veterinarian office, where he was diagnosed with Parvovirus, and recommended for a seven day hospitalization, records show.
But when his owners returned Bubbie to Susan Robson, investigators said Robson was "in denial" Bubbie had Parvo and chose to "treat him herself with sugar water and baby food."
Bubbie died a few days later, according to MSPCA officials.
In a report, investigators concluded, "Ms. Robson elected to ignore the recommendations of a licensed veterinarian...and left [Bubbie] in a quarantine room...receiving no fluids or medications."
The MSPCA filed charges of animal cruelty and permitting unnecessary suffering, to which Robson has pleaded not guilty.
"They're good people, they're good neighbors," said Scott Mack, who lives next door to the Robsons. "They're very helpful around the neighborhood."
Yet a further review of MDAR documents reveals other issues at Robson's "Just Puppies," including a previous fine in 2014 after another sick puppy died under her watch.
During a recent inspection of the 30 dogs listed to Just Puppies, investigators listed 61 violations, including failing to have a veterinarian check the puppies after 48 hours, and no health certificates on file.
In a report, investigators noted they believed other existing "health certificates had been forged."
The MDAR has since fined Robson an additional $5,000, and ordered her to cease all operations until July 1.
FOX25 went to the Robsons' home Friday, but the people inside did not answer the door, nor did Susan Robson's attorney return a call seeking comment.
In regards to David Robson, town officials told FOX25 they had launched an internal investigation into his activities during his time as Animal Control officer, including reviewing the paperwork for his storage of stray dogs.
Town officials also said there had been no complaints about Robson during his time in the position.
Susan Robson will return to court to face a judge on March 8.
(MyFoxBoston - Feb 19, 2016)
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