Press Release  Pair Arraigned for Animal Cruelty

Salem, MA — A couple was arraigned in Salem District Court today on one count each of animal cruelty. Judge Randy Chapman set bail at $250 each and ordered the defendants not to have custody, control or reside with an animal.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Erin Bellavia told the court that Brendan Bulfin, 38, of Setauket, NY and Courtney Casey, 28, of Brighton, MA left their French Bulldog, Nigil, in their car for five hours, resulting in his death. At approximately 5:55 pm on Sunday, two witnesses contacted Salem Police reporting a dead dog inside of a red Jeep Wrangler parked at the Salem MBTA Commuter Rail Parking. The witnesses had observed the dog in the car when they parked at approximately 1:05 in the afternoon, but did not when the returned to their car at approximately 5:50 pm. They approached the vehicle and saw the dog lying lifeless on the front driver’s seat. While emergency responders were attempting to break the window of the car, the defendants returned to their vehicle. The defendants opened the car and responders confirmed that Nigil was dead.

The case is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on November 16, 2017.

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