- Rhode Island, USA -
~ Update: August 31, 2024
On August 27, 2024, MICHAEL J. DIAZ was arraigned in Kent County District Court on four misdemeanor counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals, failing to provide adequate living conditions, food and water, and three felony counts unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting in death.
DIAZ did not enter a plea and was released on $5,000 personal recognizance.
~ Update: August 27, 2024
I heard back from the Warwick Police Department. With regards to the deceased furvictims, I was told: “There is a necropsy exam scheduled, however, malnourishment and abuse appear to be obvious contributing factors in their death. Fighting may be an additional cause. The exam will assist in determining the exact cause of death for each animal.”
I was further told that: “The defendant was seen in court today for arraignment and released on $1,000.00 PR and has a Felony Screening date of 12/2/2024.”
Please find below the answers from the Warwick Police Department to my questions:
Voice For Us: With regard to the dogs who were found deceased, was the arrestee able to provide their age, name, breed, and gender?
Police: These details were not provided by Diaz. The exam will provide further information.
Voice For Us: Regarding the rescued dogs, what additional information can you provide?
Police: They have been transported to the Warwick Animal Shelter to receive additional food, care, and treatment.
Voice For Us: Are there any pictures of the dogs that you can share for my article?
Police: Not at this time.
Voice For Us: Why did the arrestee have so many dogs? Was he breeding or fighting them?
Police: That is still under investigation.
~ Original story:
The Warwick Police Department arrested 22-year-old MICHAEL J. DIAZ (pictured).
Warwick police and Animal Control were called to a home on 222 Sand Pond Road after receiving a report about a dog who was in the backyard and that appeared to be malnourished and in poor health.
Responding officers found a dog who was severely emaciated and had open sores.
While in the backyard, officers could hear additional dogs inside the home …”and detected a strong odor of feces, urine and decay emanating from the inside. Based on the circumstances, Warwick Police Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property,” police said in a release.
The warrant sadly led to the discovery of three deceased dogs. Officials also found four live dogs who were emaciated and were taken to the Warwick Animal Shelter.
In connection with this case, police arrested DIAZ on August 26, 2024, and charged him with three felony counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting death and four misdemeanor counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals by failing to provide adequate living conditions, food and water.
DIAZ will be held at the police station until his hearing at the Third District Court in Kent County on August 27, 2024.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this case should contact Sgt. Nate Chea at (401) - 468 - 4261 or the Warwick police tip line at (401) - 468 - 4233. Thank you!
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Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Warwick Police Department provided to Voice For Us. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
DIAZ’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Warwick Police Department
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Another smirking POS animal abuser! His mugshot is proof of how soulless & empty he is. RIP Precious Souls, you suffer no more.