UPDATE: Man arrested on animal cruelty charges, animals confiscated, money needed for care

A man was arrested on animal cruelty charges last week.

According to the RISPCA, on December 11, 2020, Rhode Island State Troopers from the Hope Valley Barracks arrested 56-year-old Warren Shaw on an arrest warrant obtained on complaint from the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Division of Law Enforcement. Shaw was charged with two counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals.

On November 19, 2020, the RISPCA Division of Law Enforcement received a complaint regarding two horses owned by Shaw. Upon investigation, officers located the horses and determined both to be in need of immediate veterinary care.

One of the two horses was located tied to a tree and wearing a halter that had completely embedded itself into the horse’s head. Both horses were seized and removed from the property and provided veterinary care.

We received photos of the condition of the horses, but they were too graphic to share.

Shaw was arraigned before a justice of the peace and released on personal recognizance. Shaw will appear in the Fourth District Court on March 17, 2021 for arraignment.

In an update to the story, the two horses are doing well, according to RISPCA. They are currently in a foster home together where they are being kept comfortable and safe as they recover emotionally and physically. They are slowly learning to trust humans again and are able to be handled.

The RISPCA is continuing to provide on-going medical care as they heal from their injuries and neglect.

The RISPCA is also working on arrangements for them to be transferred to a Horse Rescue Organization once their condition improves.

RISPCA tells us that the daily care and medical needs of these two horses will be in the thousands. If anyone would like to help, donations are appreciated and being accepted through the Rhode Island SPCA Large Animal Assistance Program (LAAP) at www.rispca.com/support/large-animal-assistance-program/