South Boston dog kennel owner arraigned on animal cruelty charges

BOSTON (WLNE) — A Burlington man was arraigned on animal cruelty charges after an investigation was launched into his dog training and boarding facility, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

According to court documents, Tyler Falconer, 30, was charged with three counts of animal cruelty by a custodian and three counts of improperly tethering or confining an animal.

Assistant District Attorney Kelly Ryan said the offenses involved three dogs who were boarded over various dates at the Falco K-9 facility in South Boston.

Documents said during their stays, the three dogs lost significant amounts of weight and some were injured. One of the dogs lost 20 pounds and another suffered a puncture wound to its foot, which required medical attention.

“Dogs bring so much joy to the lives of the families who care for them and love them. They return that love, enormously,” Hayden said.

“When necessary to board it’s vital for the families to know that their dogs are in a safe, healthy environment and are treated with kindness and care.  That was clearly not the case here, as these disturbing facts make quite clear,” Hayden concluded.

Falconer is scheduled for a pretrial hearing in July.