4 Dogs Up For Adoption That Suffered Cruelty In East Greenwich

EAST GREENWICH, RI — Four dogs that suffered animal cruelty at an East Greenwich home are now in search of new forever homes.

The Rhode Island Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) rescued five dogs in June after utility workers reported neglect. Upon arrival at the home, investigators found two dogs in the backyard with no food or water and in limited shade on an 86-degree day, RISPCA officials said. In direct sunlight, surface temperatures reached 106 degrees.

"All too familiar a scene, more barking could be heard coming from inside the house," RISPCA officials said in a news release. "As each dog was brought out, it was immediately apparent that they were underweight, weary of human touch, and very confused. That day, five young dogs were loaded up into vans and brought to the RISPCA, where they received vaccines, treats, and reassurance of a better life."

The dogs' former owner, Eugene McQuade, appeared in court in August, after being charged with six counts of overwork, mistreatment or failure to feed animals and eight counts of failing care of dogs. In a plea deal, McQuade, agreed to surrender the dogs into RISPCA custody.

So far, one of the five dogs, a German shepherd, was adopted. The other four dogs, all male pit bulls, are undergoing socialization and obedience training.

Anyone interested in adopting a dog should contact the RISPCA at 401-438-8150, extension 0.