Case Snapshot
Case ID: 5473
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Sunday, Jul 31, 2005

County: Providence

Disposition: Not Charged

Abuser names unreleased

Investigators have taken a puppy from a home that is so sick vets aren't sure it's going to make it. The Chihuahua is just barely seven weeks old, is hypothermic and SPCA investigators say it was being starved to death along with two other puppies.

The puppy was picked up at a home in northern Rhode Island after an anonymous caller alerted the Rhode Island SPCA. The SPCA Veterinarian Dr. EJ Finocchio says the puppy was severely dehydrated. In a picture, you could see the puppy literally struggling to drink from a bucket of water. The puppy barely able to stand. Dr Finocchio said there was no question that this dog needed immediate treatment and brought it to a vet nearby.

Now on an IV, the puppy is not out of the woods yet. Meanwhile back at the home Dr. Finocchio says there are still seven other Chihuahua's three adults and four puppies. The SPCA has told the owner she must take all the animals to a vet for an examination within 24 hours or they will all be confiscated. He says the owners are Chihuahua breeders and should have known that there animals are sick.

The SPCA would not release the name of the owner or where they live as they're investigation is ongoing. They say it's possible the owner could be facing cruelty to animal charges in the near future.

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