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Case #7722 Rating: 3.0 out of 5
Hoarding - 14 dogs, 1 cat on boat
Warwick, RI (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Jun 20, 2000
County: Kent
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Rita A. Owens
Case Updates: 2 update(s) available
Rita Owens, 53, has been charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty and one count of child neglect for failing to properly care and feed her 15-year old son.
Owens was living on a 28-foot wooden power boat with 14 dogs, a cat and her teenage son.
Someone from the Warwick Cove Marina complained to the police about an awful smell coming from the power boat.
When the police investigated, Major Thomas Carmody said, "I understand the odor was quite overpowering, with animal waste essentially worn into the structure."
The teenage boy was placed in the custody of the Department of Children, Youth and Families.
Owen was arraigned and ordered to return to court next month for a hearing.
Case Updates| Rita Owens pled nolo contendere to one count of violating a municipal ordinance and was ordered to pay court costs on October 19, 2000. The animal cruelty charge was dropped as part of the plea agreement. | Source: 3rd District Court
Update posted on Feb 23, 2007 - 7:09PM |
The 14 dogs that were taken to the Warwick Animal Shelter are being evaluated and most appear to be in good condition. One dog seems to have a fresh cut and the cat has signs of burn marks on it.
Owens and her son were living in the boat because their Providence home had burned down. | Source: WJAR, Channel 10, Providence, RI - June 20, 2000
Update posted on Mar 17, 2006 - 3:32PM |
References- Associated Press - June 20, 2000
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