Owner of South Boston dog training facility receives two-year probation sentence
BOSTON, April 25, 2024 – The former owner of Falco K9, a South Boston canine training and boarding facility, pleaded to animal cruelty charges yesterday, District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.
TYLER FALCONER, 31, of Burlington, pleaded to a continuance without a finding on two counts of animal cruelty by a custodian. Judge Margaret Albertson sentenced Falconer to two years of probation, during which he must complete a Benchmark Animal Rehabilitative Curriculum (BARC) course. Falconer will also be prohibited from owning any animals or operate any animal-related businesses for three years.
The offenses involved three dogs boarded over various dates at Falco K9. During their stays, each of the dogs lost significant amounts of weight and/or were injured. One of the dogs lost 20 pounds. Another suffered a foot puncture wound that required medical attention.
One of the dogs was at the kennel for two weeks in November 2020. A second was there for two eight-day stays in January and February of 2023. The third was at the kennel for a two-week period in January 2023.
“All animals, especially pets at a facility specialized to board and shelter them, should be treated with care. Pets bring so much happiness to those in their lives. Boarding pets can be stressful, and owners deserve to know that their pets are being treated compassionately,” Hayden said.
“The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Department worked tirelessly and in collaboration with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and other agencies during the lengthy investigation and subsequent filing of charges in this matter and ARL wishes to thank DA Kevin Hayden and his office for their dedication to this and all matters of animal cruelty violations in Suffolk County,” stated Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO.
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 Communcations