RISPCA: North Kingstown couple facing numerous animal cruelty charges

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — A North Kingstown couple is facing numerous animal cruelty charges after dozens of animals were seized and a horse had to be euthanized.

Rhode Island SPCA President Wayne Kezirian said that North Kingstown police were called to a domestic dispute in the town Sunday at a large farm.

Police said that 27-year-old Ciara Cunningham and 34-year-old Salvatore Edward Carfora were arrested by police on Monday and charged with unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting in death.

Cunningham was also charged with domestic violence vandalism and disorderly conduct.

Kezirian said that police noted that numerous animals weren’t in the best shape and North Kingstown Animal Control was contacted, who then contacted RISPCA.

According to Kezirian, the horses were in “horrible condition” and one was in such bad shape it had to euthanized.

RISCPA then with the permission of the owner returned to the property Monday to seize the remaining animals, which included 10 dogs, nine goats, 14 horses and ponies and dozens of chickens and ducks.

“This is a difficult hoarding situation, the person who kept accumulating these animals did not recognize their poor condition,” said Kezirian.

The couple is expected to be in court on several animal cruelty charges Thursday, with at least one of the charges being a felony for the deceased horse.

Cunningham is being held on $3,000 personal recognizance.

Carfora is being held on $2,000 personal recognizance.