East Providence donates $1K to RISPCA in memory of beloved family dog

February 7, 2024 4:32 pm

Ryan Medeiros,

This is a photo of Niko the Husky (East Providence Police Department)

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – The city of East Providence has announced a $1,000 donation to the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA).

The donation comes in honor of a beloved East Providence family dog, Niko, who was killed in an unsolved case back in 2023.

Police say Niko went missing from his family’s Lakeside Street home on Jan. 24, 2023, and was later found on the side of Forbes Street with a pellet lodged in his head.

Authorities conducted an investigation into the incident, asking for the public’s help in solving the case.

But officials say that, while several members of the community offered financial support, the suspect was never found.

“While it is unfortunate that we don’t know who is responsible for Niko’s death, we are thankful to the many families and individuals who reached out to offer assistance and financial support,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.

DaSilva pledged back in January of 2023 that if no information was received in a year, the funds would be donated to the RISPCA.

The mayor’s office fulfilled that request on Wednesday, as DaSilva and Chief Chris Francesconi presented a check to RISPCA Director Wayne Kezirian and Humane Law Enforcement Special Agent Earl Newman.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all who contributed to the reward fund established following Niko’s death,” RISPCA Dir. Wayne Kezirian said. “While it is unfortunate that a responsible person was not identified, the RISPCA will put those contributions to good use as we continue our battle against animal cruelty.”