SOUTH BOSTON – Tyler Falconer, a trainer who allegedly starved dogs at his facility in South Boston, pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges Wednesday.
Falconer, 30, was arraigned in South Boston Municipal Court on three counts of animal cruelty and three counts of a dog tethering confinement violation. After entering his plea, he was allowed to leave on a promise to return to court July 18.
His dog training facility, Falco K9, has been closed since early March after customers complained of the alleged abuse. The criminal charges are linked to the treatment of three different dogs, one in 2020 and two in 2023.
The Animal Rescue League’s Law Enforcement Department filed charges against Falconer on May 4.
If convicted, he could face as low as a fine or up to 10 years in prison.
Falconer is also a Burlington firefighter. He’s been on paid administrative leave since early March.