A Burrillville man is facing animal cruelty charges after more than a dozen animals were found dead on his property Wednesday.
Authorities say remains of rabbits, chickens and ducks, were taken from the home in the Pascoag section of town.
Burrillville Animal Control Officer Kerry Courtemanche said more animals would have died if authorities hadn't intervened.
The surviving animals are said to be in need of veterinary care.
The RI SPCA said investigators found "extremely deplorable, disgusting conditions" at the home.
The property owner, 49-year-old Robert Morelle, signed the animals over to the RI SPCA, before pleading not guilty to 11 counts of mistreating animals, and 13 counts of animal cruelty.
Morelle was released on his own recognizance.
The Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue in Foster volunteered to take the surviving rabbits.
Rescue owner Pamela Hood said they were severely underweight, and one rabbit might not survive.
To better care for the sick animals, the facility is looking for adoptive homes for other rabbits already there.
Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue can be reached at (401) 623-1340.
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