When it comes to enforcing animal cruelty laws in the state of Rhode Island, the decision made in Providence District Court last month demonstrates that the courts do not make cases of animal cruelty a priority.
Icabod is an 11 month old lab mix. He was taken from his owner in December after the Rhode Island SPCA received a tip regarding an extremely underweight dog living at an apartment in Providence. When he arrived at the Rhode Island SPCA, he was almost dead. Icabod weighed a mere 22 pounds, was severely anemic, dehydrated, emaciated, and demodectic mange which caused patches of his fur to fall off. It was a clear case of failure to provide adequate care, food, and water to this poor animal. Icabod had ingested blankets, clothing, and other household items in an attempt to survive - he was one of the most emaciated dogs we have encountered.
Icabod slowly recovered at the Rhode Island SPCA, with the help of a wonderful foster home, for over two months. When he was adopted in February by a loving family, he had made a full recovery and weighed over 60 pounds. Despite what he had been through, Icabod was friendly and affectionate from the moment he arrived at the shelter.
On Thursday, March 24th, Icabod's former owner appeared in Providence District Court facing one count of mistreating animals and one count of unnecessary cruelty to animals. After nearly starving Icabod to death, she was ordered to make a $50 contribution. Quite simply, the penalty does not fit the crime. This disappointing decision sets a bad precedent and undermines the work done by the Rhode Island SPCA, Animal Control Officers, Police Departments, and other humane organizations throughout the state.
Unfortunately, cases such as Icabod's are not rare. The Animal Cruelty Investigator at the Rhode Island SPCA receives thousands of complaints on animal cruelty each year and goes on countless investigations. Every year, we encounter several cases as appalling as Icabod's right here in Rhode Island. Time after time, despite the tireless efforts of many dedicated individuals, these cases break down when they arrive in the courts.
Those who abuse animals must be held accountable for their inexcusable actions. If we continue to treat cases of animal cruelty as minor offenses and give the perpetrators a mere slap on the wrist, we will continue to see the abuse of defenseless animals in our state.
All of us here at the Rhode Island SPCA are extemely dissapointed with the outcome of this case. However, we will not be discouraged from our mission. I hope you will join us as together we continue to "speak for those who cannot speak for themselves."
Yours very truly,
E.J. Finocchio, DVM
President, Rhode Island SPCA
P.S. If you are concerned with this case, please let the courts know. Your letters and emails informing them that animal cruelty laws should be enforced with stiffer penalties and that the abuse of animals in Rhode Island should not be tolerated will go a long way in helping to improve the situation.
