Police: Warwick animal cruelty suspect had dead dog in a trash bag

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — A suspect in a Warwick animal cruelty case has pleaded not guilty in Third District Court in Warwick Tuesday.

Michael Diaz, 22, is charged with three felony counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting in death, four misdemeanor counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals and failing to provide adequate living conditions.

Diaz was given $5,000 bail.

Diaz was arrested Monday after police noticed a malnourished dog in his residence’s backyard on Sand Pond Road with no food or water.

The officer entered the backyard and noticed another malnourished dog in the home through the window and entered through the unlocked door.

At this time, the officer observed a trash bag with flies and maggots on it, and opened it to find a deceased dog inside.

At this time a search warrant was obtained and found two more deceased dogs and four malnourished and emaciated dogs, which were seized from the residence and transported to the Warwick Animal Shelter for treatment.