Rhode Island man out on bail after disturbing injuries discovered on dog by Swansea vet

A Rhode Island man was arrested recently after one of the most disturbing cases of animal abuse that the RISPCA has seen.

On September 20th at approximately 9:00 a.m., RISPCA officials received a telephone call from Bay State Veterinary Emergency Services in Swansea regarding a canine, identified as an approximately eight-year-old beagle mix named Coco, that needed emergency medical treatment.

Upon examination, Coco was found to have multiple injuries consistent with physical abuse including multiple rib fractures and severe bruising to the chest and abdomen. The multiple injuries were consistent with Coco receiving multiple blows to the chest. The injuries covered approximately half of the dog and were too graphic to post.

It was also discovered that Coco had previously been brought to another vet on August 2 with similar injuries. At that time, Coco had been presented as being cared for by Robert Nolette, Jr and his girlfriend. Coco was diagnosed with multiple rib fractures. The couple had reportedly stated to veterinary staff that they believed Coco had “fallen down the stairs” causing the injuries.

After speaking with the vet, RISPCA contacted the Scituate Police Department. The vet, police, and the RISPCA agreed that the injuries were the result of intentional trauma.

On September 21, Scituate Police and RISPCA officials responded to the couple’s address in Hope, Rhode Island. The girlfriend explained that on September 19, she had left her residence for a short time to attend cheerleading practice with her daughter. When she left the residence, she stated that Coco was in good health and acting normally. When she left the residence, Coco was home alone with Nolette. When she returned home, she found Coco with “multiple injuries” and showing signs of difficulty breathing. She stated that she immediately loaded Coco into her car and transported her to the vet.

An arrest warrant was then issued for Nolette for one count of malicious injury to or killing of animals.

Nolette was released on $5,000 bail and is not to have animals in his custody.

Coco remarkably survived the injuries sustained.