RUMFORD – Richard Masterson and his likewise named 10-year-old son are upset.

The older Masterson, 42, of 210 Hancock St. in Rumford was summoned last week by town animal control officer Marsha McKenna on charges of animal cruelty and failure to provide medical attention.

Both father and son are disputing the charges, saying their 9- to 10-year-old Siberian husky named Gypsy, was healthy, and properly cared for.

“I don’t want people thinking I’m what they say I am,” the elder Masterson said late Friday afternoon.

McKenna and police said last Friday that they had received complaints from the Mastersons’ neighbors that Gypsy had been kept outdoors without food, water and shelter for several days.

Masterson Sr. and Masterson II denied the allegations, saying the dog had food, water and shelter, and was taken in every night.

After investigating the complaints, McKenna took the dog – which weighed 29 pounds – when Masterson said he didn’t have the money to take it to a Rumford veterinarian to be examined.

“I told her that the vet said he wouldn’t see the dog unless I had the money for the exam. But I don’t get my disability check until the third day of the month, so I told her I wouldn’t have the money,” Masterson Sr. said.

The veterinarian, McKenna said, determined that Gypsy had either developed heart and organ problems due to malnourishment, or that malnourishment was caused by the heart and organ problems.

Gypsy was euthanized, she said, after the veterinarian determined that the dog could not be saved.

Then, the elder Masterson was ordered to pay $130 restitution for the exam, euthanasia and cremation to the town of Rumford.

But both Mastersons claim that Gypsy was healthy.

“He was far from the skin and bones that they said he was. He always got thin this time of year, because he had lost most of his summer hair. I don’t know how the dog could be malnourished, he ate two times a day,” Masterson said.

McKenna was unavailable for comment Friday afternoon, according to an answering machine message.

“All of what my dad said is true. Gypsy was healthy,” said young Masterson, who said he misses his pet.

The 10-year-old said he was confused about why Gypsy had to be put to sleep.

Masterson Sr. got Gypsy from McKenna’s McKennel’s Animal Shelter five years ago. The dog was never sick, he said, and enjoyed being outside. It could even take shelter in his porch.

He said he walked Gypsy every night, including every night last week before the dog was taken and euthanized.

Masterson said he intends to fight the charges against him at his arraignment at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, in Rumford District Court.

“Gypsy was a happy dog, he was very friendly, he loved everybody, and he was a healthy dog,” Masterson Sr. said.