46 dogs hoarded in Pawtucket receiving care, foster opportunities to follow

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — More than 40 dogs were rescued from a horrific hoarding situation in Pawtucket on Monday.

Pawtucket police confirmed a total of 46 dogs were counted by the end of the evacuation process.

“These animals are severely matted. Their mobility is impaired,” explained RISPCA president Wayne Kezirian. “They cannot stand up because they have so much fur. Many of them, we do not know if they can see, because we cannot see their face or their eyes.”

On Tuesday the RISPCA started to medically shave the dogs to find out their gender and breed and to vaccinate them.

One of the dogs lost six whole pounds after being shaved.

“Because of the matted conditions of their fur, they have skin and yeast infection,” Kezirian added. “At least the one we were able to shave down. We assume the other ones will be in similar conditions.”

The RISPCA said by early to midweek next week all of the animals will be cleaned up and should be ready for foster homes.

“Even as matted and smelly and as tough of shape as they are in,” Kezirian said. “When you come close to them, they are wagging their tails and they look like they are interested in human companionship.”

Pawtucket police took the lead to determine whether or not they think charges are appropriate for the homeowners, an elderly couple.

“A lot of instances involving animal hoarding such as this arise from cognitive conditions that might not be best addressed in the criminal justice system,” Kezirian said.