Ben Madilynn
WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) — Warwick police said Monday that an animal abuse investigation was underway after a dog was found dead inside a home.
According to police, they were called to a home on Sand Pond Road at about 12:20 p.m. after receiving a report of a dog in a yard that appeared to be malnourished and in poor health.
“Officers also observed and could hear additional dogs inside the residence and detected a strong odor of feces, urine and decay emanating from the inside. Based on the circumstance, Warwick Police Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property,” police said in a release.
Police said four emaciated dogs were taken to the Warwick Animal Shelter and that three dogs were found dead at the property.
Police said 22-year-old Michael Diaz was charged with multiple animal cruelty counts, including three felony counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting death and four misdemeanor counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals by failing to provide adequate living conditions, food and water.
Diaz was being held at the police station pending arraignment Tuesday in Kent County District Court.
Warwick police said anyone with information that could be helpful to the investigation to call Sgt. Nate Chea at 401-468-4261 or the Warwick police tip line at 401-468-4233.
