A Marlborough dog breeder accused of animal cruelty is trying to block the Monadnock Humane Society from temporarily placing the dogs in foster homes.
John Riggieri is facing 10 counts of animal cruelty for mistreating more than 50 Labrador retrievers. Prosecutors allege the animals were subjected to “unnecessary suffering” and living in a house strewn with feces.
Since being seized last month, 52 dogs and one cat have been held at the Monadnock Humane Society, which puts the cost of care at over $40,000.