Merrimack Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty Dog Neglect

MERRIMACK, NH — A local woman has been charged with animal cruelty after reportedly leaving her dog unattended for months at her Merrimack home. Alexa M. Cho, 20, of Merrimack, was charged after her German shepherd was found living in "extreme squalor," according to police. Cho is charged with two counts of animal cruelty, one count of having an unlicensed dog and failure to vaccinate her dog.

Police say they came to a Sagamore Drive home on July 24 the check on the condition of the dog. While there, they learned that the dog — named Turbo — had not see anyone since at least fall 2018, police say. Through the window, officers could see the dog was seemed extremely malnourished, according to police. They used an unlocked door to get into the home, and found that the dog was living in "extreme squalor," with feces and urine surrounding him in the kitchen, where Turbo was confined, police say.

Officers could not initially find Cho, who owned the home. It appeared that no one had lived at the home for at least several months. Turbo's condition was of grave concern, and the dog was given to Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, police say.

Police say that Cho later contacted them after hearing officers were looking for her. She also surrendered the animal to the rescue league. According to police, Turbo's health remains grave and his ability to become adopted is in question due to the neglect.

Cho is due to appear for arraignment on Aug. 22 in Merrimack Circuit Court. Police urge that anyone with pets they are no longer able to care for to turn the pets over to a local animal shelter or police department.