Rhode Island SPCA seizes 35 dogs from Tiverton home — what we know

TIVERTON — The Tiverton Animal Control Officer, Tiverton police, investigators from the Rhode Island SPCA, and members of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management responded Wednesday morning to 16 Roseland Terrace, for a report of animals living in hazardous conditions.

According to a press release from Tiverton PD, investigators found 35 dogs and two cats; many of the dogs were in cages while some roamed freely.

A resident told investigators that she was fostering the dogs for an animal rescue agency out of Texas, but an investigation found that she is not licensed through RIDEM to operate an animal rescue.

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The RISPCA said in a release that a resident is suspected of importing them for sale without proper licensing.

According to police, the home was in very poor condition. The Tiverton Code Enforcement Officer inspected the home and found it to be uninhabitable. The three adult residents were required to relocate until the home is cleaned and repaired.

RISPCA are currently working to remove all animals from the home and find appropriate shelters. The SPCA will be closed May 3 and 4 to attend to this emergency situation. If interested in becoming a foster, please visit our website and submit an application at www.rispca.org/foster-care/.

This is an ongoing investigation by the RISPCA and Tiverton Police.

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: RI SPCA seizes 35 dogs from Tiverton home; illegal import suspected