- Rhode Island, USA -
On the morning of Thursday, April 20, 2023, the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RI-SPCA) along with the Warwick Police Department and Animal Control agencies, responded to a home on 56 Powhatan Street to execute a search warrant in relation to possible acts of animal cruelty involving multiple cats and dogs.
In a news release the WPD said that upon arrival, officials learned that the animals had been removed from that property by their guardians. Police said the home was “in deplorable condition, and was subsequently condemned by the City of Warwick Minimum Housing.”
Thankfully, officials were able to locate the cats and dogs at a residence on 429 Seaview Avenue. According to the news release, officials found thirteen cats and two dogs who were then taken by the Warwick Animal Shelter.
Police said that officials were also able to capture the two black-furred wandering dogs, who made the headlines these past few days who were thought to be coyotes or wolf hybrids.
Police said the two dogs were also transferred to the Warwick Animal Shelter.
abc 6 identified the two roaming dogs, who were reportedly loose for five days, as Bella and Libby of 2 months of age.
Police arrested 29-years-old AMANDA BRAY and 32-years-old ANDREW SANVILLE (both pictured).
The pair were each charged with one count of animal cruelty, one count care of dogs, one count compulsory rabies vaccination, and two counts abandonment of animals.
abc 6 reports that officials said BRAY and SANVILLE were given the dogs by the original guardian “under the assumption they would be able to care for them.” Reportedly, both BRAY and SANVILLE admitted to be caring for Bella and Libby.
BRAY will be brought before a Bail Commissioner and released on Personal Recognizance with a 3rd District Court date of May 9, 2023.
SANVILLE was held as a probation violator and will be transported to 3rd District Court on April 21, 2023.
For days the Warwick Animal Shelter posted on their Facebook page appeals addressed to the public urging the community to not feed the “coyotes” and to keep the distance.
In one of several posts, the Warwick Animal Shelter wrote:
“Spoke with Biologist Dr. Numi Mitchell this morning who has been tracking and studying coyote for years, she is a wealth of information.
1. First... yes they are coyote, not hybrids or dogs, their color is rare but not the first she has seen.
2. people need to STOP leaving food for them, THIS IS ILLEGAL...both at the City level and State level and results in hefty fines which officials ARE enforcing. It is illegal for a reason=everyone's safety including the animal!!!
3. leaving food = coyote stay around= endangering animals
4. feral cat colonies need to have their feeder stay while they eat and pick up dishes immediately after. There is also an ordinance for this which results in fines. Not only will the coyote eat the cat food they will eat the cats.
5. people who feed their own cats outside ...DON"T
6. STOP following them/gathering to video them etc. we do not want them to be comfortable around people!!!
7. DO NOT attempt to interact with them...they are NOT DOGS and someone will get bit. BITE= DEAD COYOTE.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
BRAY and SANVILLE’s mugshots were shared from the Warwick Police Department.
Additional Sources:
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