Animal abuse investigation underway after police find dead dogs in Warwick home

WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) — Warwick police said Monday that an animal cruelty investigation had been launched after a dead dog was found in a home.

According to police, they were called to a home on Sand Pond Road around 12:20 p.m. after a report of a dog in a yard that appeared to be malnourished and in poor health.

“Officers were also able to observe and hear other dogs in the house and detect a strong odor of feces, urine and decomposition coming from inside. Due to these circumstances, Warwick Police detectives obtained a search warrant for the property,” a police press release said.

According to police, four emaciated dogs were taken to the Warwick Animal Shelter and three more dogs were found dead on the property.

According to police, 22-year-old Michael Diaz has been charged with several counts of animal cruelty, including three counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting in death and four counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals by failing to provide adequate living conditions, food and water.

Diaz was being held at the police station awaiting arraignment in Kent County District Court on Tuesday.

Warwick Police asked anyone with information that may be helpful to the investigation to call Sergeant Nate Chea at 401-468-4261 or the Warwick Police Tip Line at 401-468-4233.