MARION — A man was arrested on Feb. 4 on charges of animal cruelty and unlicensed possession of ammunition. 

According to Marion Police, Brandon Davis, 26, was arrested after Marion Animal Control Officer Susan Connor received complaints regarding a pitbull-type dog that was allegedly being kept by Davis inside a home on Mill Street.

Connor went to the home on Feb. 3 and saw a dead chicken on the ground outside. Connor attempted to speak with Davis regarding the complaint, but was unable to make contact with anyone inside of the home. 

The next day, Marion Police obtained and executed a search warrant for the home.

At the residence, officers found an abnormally thin female pitbull-type dog with blood on its tail in a cage. 

Officers observed what appeared to be animal waste, dirty rags, scattered dried dog food and overturned water bowls without signs of drinking water inside of the cage. During their search of the home, officers also located ammunition.

The dog was seized by Connor and transported to Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists where it is receiving treatment. The dog is expected to make a full recovery but will likely require extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

Davis was arrested at the home without incident and was released on $340 bail. His pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 13 in Wareham District Court. 

"I'd like to commend ACO Connor, Det. Scott Smith, Officer Jonathan Castro and Sgt. Sean Day for their diligent work throughout this investigation, which resulted in an animal being removed from poor conditions," Police Chief Richard Nighelli said. "I'd also like to thank Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists for their work providing care and treatment to the dog."

The Marion Police Department is accepting donations to the PAUS Fund — a town fund that regularly aids in the placement and care of animals — to assist in covering the cost of the dog's veterinary care. Those interested in donating to the fund can mail a check to the Marion Police Department at 550 Mill St., P.O. Box 636 — attention: PAUS Fund. 

Checks should be made out to the Town of Marion with a memo of "PAUS Fund."