A Rhode Island man is facing over 2 dozen charges after alleged mistreatment of dogs at his home.
According to police, members of the Warwick Police responded to Fulton Street following reports of dogs and puppies being left outdoors for extended periods. Earlier in the day, several loose dogs had also been reported in the neighborhood and were believed to have originated from the property.
Upon arrival, responding officers observed significant amounts of animal feces throughout the backyard and detected a strong odor of feces and urine emanating from a shed on the property.
Officers subsequently located several dogs and puppies confined in three separate crates inside the shed. Officers observed that the animals had no accessible food or water. The crates contained urine and animal feces that were observed throughout the shed.
While officers were at the scene, the property owner arrived and provided officers with consent to enter and inspect the residence.
Inside the home, officers discovered additional dogs and puppies being housed in unsanitary conditions. Several puppies were confined to a whelping pen that was contaminated with feces and lacked accessible water. Officers also observed additional dogs confined in crates, all without access to water.
As a result of the investigation, the property owner, identified as 60-year-old Rodrigo Moreira, was charged with 25 counts of animal mistreatment and failure to provide adequate care, in violation of Rhode Island General Laws 4-1-2.
All dogs and puppies located at the property were removed and transported to the Warwick Animal Shelter for appropriate care and evaluation.
