35 Dogs, 2 Cats Rescued From 'Uninhabitable' Home In Tiverton

TIVERTON, RI — Nearly three dozen dogs and two cats were rescued Wednesday from an "uninhabitable" home in Tiverton, according to police.

Around 9:48 a.m., Tiverton police, animal control and investigators from the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) were called to a home on Roseland Terrace for a report of animals living in hazardous conditions.

Police said a resident of the home let investigators inside. Once inside, investigators found 35 dogs and two cats, police said.

Police said many of the dogs were in cages. A resident told investigators she was fostering the dogs for an animal rescue agency out of Texas. Further investigation revealed she was not licensed through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to operate an animal rescue, police said.

Police said the inside of 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 can be cleaned and repaired.

RISPCA officials said they are working to remove all animals from the house and bring them to appropriate shelters.

As of Thursday morning, no arrests have been made. The incident remains under investigation.

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