Rescued Dogs Ready To Be Adopted | Patch PM

Welcome to Patch PM, on this crisp end-of-September Thursday. Here's a look at today's top headlines from around Rhode Island.

Today's top story

Four dogs that suffered abuse in an East Greenwich home are ready for new homes.

The animals were rescued by the Rhode Island Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in June. Investigators found two dogs in the backyard with no food or water and in limited shade on an 86-degree day, with surface temperatures as high as 106 degrees.

The dogs' former owner, Eugene McQuade, was charged with six counts of overwork, mistreatment or failure to feed animals and eight counts of failing care of dogs. As part of a plea deal, he surrendered the dogs to the RISPCA. The animals are now ready to be adopted.

Read the full story here.

Picture this:

The Roger Williams Park Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular opens for the 2021 season Thursday night. Unlike last year, when this photo was taken, guests can again walk the zoo's wetlands trail to see the pumpkins up close. This year's theme is a celebration of music.

Thursday's other headlines

• Flu Season 2021: Where To Find A Vaccine In Rhode Island: While the focus remains on containing the coronavirus pandemic, flu season is fast approaching.
• Rhode Island DMV Shifts All Road Tests To Providence Branch: Effective immediately, road tests will not be offered in Cranston.
• Thurbers Avenue Crash Slows I-95 North To A Crawl: The crash at the Thurbers Avenue curve closed two lanes and backed up traffic into Cranston.