Pawtucket woman accused of neglecting dog, bringing it to veterinarian dead

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island SPCA said Friday that a Pawtucket dog owner was accused of neglect after she brought her terrier mix the Ocean State Veterinary Specialists dead.

Earl Newman, special agent for the agency, said Dawn Abbenante took her dog to the facility on March 14.

Newman said the dog showed clear signs of neglect, including substantial matting, significant hair loss and two very large abdominal tumors.

The Rhode Island SPCA said Abbenante was later taken into custody by Pawtucket police after a warrant was issued for her arrest.

She was arraigned Monday for one felony count of unnecessary cruelty and one misdemeanor count for care of dogs.

Abbenante was released on $3,000 personal recognizance. She’s due back in court in June.