A Burlington man who owns a South Boston animal kennel has been charged with animal cruelty after authorities say three dogs in his business’ care lost significant weight and showed signs of injury.

Tyer Falconer, 30, was arraigned in municipal court in South Boston today on three counts of animal cruelty by a custodian and three counts of improperly tethering or confining an animal. Judge Michael Bolden released Falconer and scheduled a pre-trial hearing for July 18.

“Dogs bring so much joy to the lives of the families who care for them and love them. They return that love, enormously. When necessary to board, it’s vital for families to know that their dogs are in a safe, healthy environment and are treated with kindness and care,” said SuffolkDistrict Attorney Kevin Hayden in a statement, in which he revealed he is himself a dog owner. “That was clearly not the case here, as these disturbing facts make quite clear.”

Falconer owns Falco K9 in South Boston.

Assistant DA Kelly Ryan said at the arraignment that the dogs were at the kennel for various time: one for two weeks in November 2020, another for two eight-day stays in January and February of this year, and a the third for two-week stay in January. One of the dogs lost 20 pounds and another suffered a foot puncture necessitating medical treatment.

This is a developing story.