Breaking News: Animal Cruelty Charges Added Against Mullen

The man accused of will face animal cruelty charges for the deaths of two dogs in the blaze.

Joseph Mullen, 29, of 27 Stowe Road, Grafton, was indicted today by the grand jury on charges of arson of a dwelling, breaking and entering in the daytime with intent to commit a felony, possession of burglary tools and animal cruelty, according to a spokesman for District Attorney Joseph Early.

Supporters of the Benoit family, who lived in the home, had spearheaded a petition effort to add animal cruelty charges against Mullen. Homeowner Robert Benoit has spoken emotionally that the dogs, who were trapped in a room of the home, and the cat were innocent victims.

In addition to the dogs that were killed, one of the family’s two cats was never found. A second cat survived.

Mullen will now be arraigned in Worcester Superior Court. A date should be set next week.