An animal rescue organization and the police said Tuesday they will bring charges against whoever abandoned an emaciated dog outside the front door of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Officials named the dog Indi, for Independence Day.
"This was a cowardly act. A cowardly act to drop the dog off on the Fourth of July between 11 and 5 when you knew there were going to be fireworks at India Point, right here. This dog was all alone, didn't have a leash. They didn't have any identification. They just dropped him off at the front door," said Dr. E.J. Finocchio, president of the RISPCA.
Indi was treated and examined at the RISPCA, which is trying to save him. He had cuts down to the bone, overgrown nails, and severely matted hair. He cannot stand up.
Finocchio said the dog's condition didn't get so bad overnight.
"But to let a dog to remain in this condition for months -- and see it and live with It -- that's what's very disturbing to me," Finocchio said.
Finocchio is working with East Providence police to build a case and work on leads.
"I will do the best of my ability to prosecute them to the full extent of the law. Full extent of the law for a person who subjected to this dog to this for months," Finocchio said.
East Providence police have the authority to make an arrest. They're building a case now.
"Charges will come forward" Lt. Rae Blinn said.
Blinn said cases of pet neglect are common.
"Unfortunately, we see it on a regular basis. Thankfully, it's not as bad as we see here today with this animal but unfortunately it does happen on a regular basis," Blinn said.
Finocchio called it a case of pet dumping. He said the owner should have surrendered the dog before his condition deteriorated to this point.
Anyone with information about Indi should call East Providence police.
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