Woman arrested for stabbing three sheep, 12 other dead animals found

HARWICH, Mass. (WLNE) — Harwich police said a woman was arrested after 14 animals were found dead, and one struggling from a stab wound at a Cape Cod barn.

Meredith Viprino, of Harwich, was arraigned Wednesday morning on 15 counts of cruelty to an animal.

On Nov. 26, Harwich police were sent to Chatham Road after they received a complaint about neglected sheep and potentially dead animals.

At the scene, police spoke with Viprino, the owner of the property, who told officers she killed the sheep that morning by stabbing them in the throat.

In the barn and on the property, officers said they found two dead sheep with stab wounds to their throats, as well as another stabbed sheep that was still alive, but was later euthanized due to its “poor condition.”

Police said while searching the barn, the conditions were “deplorable,” with little food and water.

After further investigation, in addition to the three goats found, 12 dead animal carcasses were discovered decaying in the barn.

Viprino was arrested and taken to the Harwich Police Department, and was released after paying a $500 bond.