East Boston resident facing a dozen animal cruelty charges
BOSTON, December 19, 2024 – A 27-year-old man was arraigned today in East Boston BMC on a dozen animal cruelty charges after investigators determined he abused a 10- to 12- month-old German Shepherd over several months, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.
ARMANI DOSHI, 27, of East Boston was charged with six counts of animal cruelty and six counts of animal cruelty by custodian.
Judge Debra DelVecchio ordered Doshi held on $100 bail and revoked his bail for 60 days on a pending Chelsea District Court case in which he threatened a judge.
Doshi will return to court on January 16 for a pre-trial hearing.
On various dates in September through December, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Massachusetts State Police and Boston Animal Control received numerous reports regarding abuse and cruel treatment of the female German Shepherd by Doshi.
Witnesses reported multiple incidents of abuse that had taken place outside of an apartment complex. They reported hearing the dog crying throughout the day and reported Doshi walking the dog by holding her in a headlock, causing her to walk on just her hind legs. Others reported seeing Doshi lie on the dog’s neck when she barked in public spaces.
Maintenance in Doshi’s building reported observing bite marks on a door frame, wall, and inside of the door when they were asked to repair a closet in his apartment. The dog was often locked in the closet with no light, food or water.
Based on the information received, including photos and videos, investigators successfully sought a warrant for Doshi’s arrest.
The dog was seized this morning by the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Hayden, a dog owner, thanked witnesses for reporting the abuse and also thanked members of the Suffolk County Animal Cruelty Task Force for their collaborative work.
"During the holiday season many pets receive even more attention and affection from the families who love and care for them. But there are always the heartbreaking exceptions, and we will hold people accountable for cruel and abusive behavior whenever we can," Hayden said.
In January 2024 Hayden created the Suffolk County Animal Cruelty Task Force, a multi-agency initiative aimed at reducing abuse of animals and coordinating efforts to bring abusers to justice. Members include the police and animal control departments in Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop, the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Environmental Police, the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, the Animal Rescue League and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Those reporting animal abuse should call the ARL hotline at (617) 426-9170 x110 or email cruelty@arlboston.org or the MSPCA hotline at (617) 522-6008 or (800) 628-5808.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.
James Borghesani, Chief of Communications