Man arrested after three dead and four malnourished dogs found in his apartment

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Warwick police said a man was arrested after finding three dead and four malnourished dogs at a residence on Sand Pond Road.

Michael J. Diaz, 22, of Warwick was arrested and charged with three counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting in death and four counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals and failure to provide adequate living conditions.

On Monday at 12:19 p.m., Warwick Police responded to a report of a sick-looking dog in the backyard of a residence on Sand Pond Road.

Warwick Animal Control officers responded and found a severely emaciated dog with open wounds in the backyard.

Officers said they heard other dogs in the house and noticed an odor of feces, urine and decomposition.

Police said they obtained a search warrant and found three dead dogs and four malnourished and emaciated dogs that were seized from the home and taken to the Warwick Animal Shelter for treatment.

Diaz is being held at Warwick Police Headquarters pending his hearing in Third District Court in Kent County on August 27, 2024.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 401-468-4261.