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Police: 18 animals seized from 160-acre Richmond property; owner arraigned on 24 misdemeanor counts
Summary
Chief Johnson reported that animal-control officers, state DEM veterinarians and partners seized 18 animals (cattle, goats, donkeys and others) from a property after welfare concerns; the owner has been arraigned on 24 misdemeanor counts of neglect and cruelty and animals were placed with foster care.
Chief Johnson told the council March 17 that an investigation by town animal-control officers, the Rhode Island SPCA and the Department of Environmental Management led to a February seizure of animals from a 160-acre Richmond property.
Chief Johnson said investigators relied on two sources of information: reports from a veterinarian who visited the property and information from a former resident. With DEM veterinarians' advice and a search warrant executed on Feb. 5, officers and partner agencies impounded 18 animals ' including seven cows, seven goats and two donkeys ' and placed them with four foster locations for care. Many animals, Chief Johnson said, were underweight and a donkey showed signs consistent with frostbite exposure.
The coordinator described the operational difficulties of the seizure: snow-and-ice-covered terrain and animals roaming across the acreage. Chief Johnson credited the seamless collaboration of town officers, DEM environmental police, SPCA staff and other agencies and said the animals are recovering.
The property owner was arraigned and faces 24 misdemeanor counts alleging animal neglect and cruelty; those charges are pending in court.
What happens next: the criminal case proceeds through the courts; animal-control and partner agencies will continue to coordinate care and foster placements while the town and state pursue appropriate enforcement action.
