Northborough – A vigil for “Kiya”, a young female pit bull who was recently found brutally tortured in Quincy, will be held Saturday, Nov. 9 starting at 4:30 p.m. at Ellsworth/McAfee Park, Route 135.
Kiya, who was first known as “Puppy Doe,” was discovered with multiple injuries that were so severe that she needed to be euthanized.? Radoslaw Czerkawski, a 32-year-old Polish man who was living in Massachusetts, has been charged with 11 counts of animal cruelty related to Kiya's abuse.
The case has outraged thousands of animal lovers, including Northborough resident Cathy Staniunas, who is organizing the Nov. 9 vigil.
Staniunas is a longtime advocate and volunteer with several animal shelters and organizations. She said she hopes the vigil will also help stress the importance of placing your pet in a reputable shelter if you can no longer keep it, rather than offering it for free online or in newspapers.
The Northborough Police Department released the following statement regarding the vigil:
In light of the overwhelming response to social and print media coverage of the vigil for Puppy Kiya, Police wish to offer the following information:
Due to the egregious nature of the abuse suffered by Kiya and the attendant public outrage, the event, which police were original told would draw 40-50 participants is now anticipated to be far larger than originally indicated, drawing several hundred participants at a minimum. Police have received inquiries regarding parking availability and restrictions as well as park regulations. In an effort to make this event safe for participants the police department offers the following information:
The primary concern at this time is parking and lighting. There are spaces for approximately 150 cars at the park. Participants are strongly encouraged to car pool. When the parking lot is full, the park entrances will be closed to vehicles. The park and parking lot is not lighted. Sunset is scheduled for 4:28PM Saturday putting the entire vigil in darkness with poor lighting conditions. Police ask that participants bring a flashlight to aid in walking. Ellsworth-McAfee park is located on Rte.135 / South St. This is a two lane road within a residential area with no on-street parking and limited sidewalks in the area. At this time the vigil is slated to be held in the area of the pavilion structure located just inside the main park entrance on the left.
Due to limited parking and narrow lot configuration, large trucks / commercial vehicles will not be allowed in the park.
There are no indoor bathroom facilities – Two portable toilets are located near the pavilion;
Relevant Northborough Parks and Recreation Commission Regulations:
All dogs must be on a leash
Canine waste removal/disposal is required
Absolutely no parking on any fields
No Alcohol or glass
No Littering
Additional police officers will be on duty at the park to facilitate vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Animal Control Officers will also be on hand.