Warwick man facing animal cruelty charges after dead, emaciated dogs found in home
by: Sarah Doiron
WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — A Warwick man was arrested Monday afternoon after officers found several emaciated and dead dogs inside his home, according to police.
Warwick Animal Control officers were called to the Sand Pond Road home upon receiving reports of an emaciated dog in the backyard with no access to food or water.
Police said the officers found the dog in the backyard and noticed it was extremely malnourished and suffering from open sores.
The officers could hear more dogs inside the home, which had a strong odor of feces, urine and decay, according to police.
Police said the officers searched the home and found four emaciated dogs, as well as the decaying bodies of three dead dogs.
The five emaciated dogs were brought to the Warwick Animal Shelter for treatment.
The dogs’ owner, 22-year-old Michael Diaz, was arrested and charged with three felony counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals with death resulting and four misdemeanor counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals for failing to provide adequate food, water and living conditions.
Diaz is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday morning in Kent County District Court.
Anyone with information pertinent to the investigation is asked to contact Sgt. Nate Chea by calling (401) 468-4261. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online, by calling (401) 468-4233 or texting “WARWICKPD” to 847411.