RISPCA offers $2,500 for info on neglected dog
Ten-year-old dog “Molly” in ‘terrible condition’ turned in to West Warwick Animal Shelter
WEST WARWICK –– The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) is offering a $2,500 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of an individual who severely neglected a dog that was turned into the West Warwick Animal Shelter over the weekend. The 10-year-old female dog named Molly was turned over to the West Warwick Animal Shelter on August 12 by an individual who said he saw her roaming around the library on Main Street. The dog did have a collar and tag, as well as a microchip. The shelter turned Molly over to the RISPCA for further treatment and care. According to RISPCA President Dr. E.J. Finocchio, the dog’s microchip was traced back to a puppy mill in Kansas. She was born in July of 2008, making her 10 years old. She was shipped to Rumford Pet Center in Rhode Island. “Even though she looks like she’s in her teens, she’s actually only 10,” said Finocchio. “She has a multitude of medical issues.” Molly will require significant medical attention over the next few weeks, he said. She is blind, with a cataract in one eye, possible glaucoma and corneal scarring preventing doctors from seeing deep into her eye. She also has a deteriorating mandible, an unidentified skin condition covering her entire body, mammary gland tumors and parathyroid neoplasia. She also has only four remaining teeth and is severely emaciated, according to Finocchio. “That is all due to chronic human neglect over I would say one to two years,” he explained. “We will provide the medical attention she needs.” Finocchio added that the RISPCA will accept any donations toward Molly’s medical bills because her care will be costly. Molly has already had a medicated bath for her skin and has been started on several medications in addition to being groomed and having blood drawn. Finocchio said doctors will also take a skin biopsy to determine the cause of her skin condition. She will be placed in a foster home and then will eventually be put up for adoption. “We’ll keep her as long as it takes to get her back to normal,” he said. “But she’s going to need a lot of medical attention. We’ll monitor her day-to-day to see how she is doing.” Finocchio also pointed out that the person who dropped Molly off at the animal shelter did not provide any identifying information and kept the nameplate off of her collar when dropping her off. “This person for some reason took the name collar,” he said. “Most people who do these things, they are the owner of the dog. It leads us to think they were the owner. Why would you take her nameplate?” The RISPCA’s original reward for information leading to an arrest was $500, but an unidentified “friend of the RISPCA” donated another $2,000, bringing the total reward to $2,500. Finocchio said it’s somewhat disappointing to think that an arrest might not necessarily bring justice for Molly be- cause animal neglect is only a misdemeanor. “We could get the person and he goes to court, and then he gets a slap on the wrist,” he said. “But if she dies as a direct result of the neglect it becomes a felony.” Molly is doing well despite her condition and will soon be on the road to recovery. “Molly is a very friendly dog despite what she’s gone through,” said Finocchio. “She hears well but is completely blind and is making use of her sixth sense. It’s amazing how she’s doing.” The RISPCA asks that anyone with information regarding Molly’s owner contact them at 401-438-8150. “Please call us,” said Finocchio. “You can remain anonymous and we’ll take care of everything.”