Scituate man charged with animal abuse after burning beagle

SCITUATE, R.I. (WLNE) — Attorney General Peter Neronha said that a Scituate man was charged for allegedly abusing a beagle left in his care in 2022.

Robert Nolette was charged with three counts of maliciously wounding an animal.

Neronha said that the owner of an 8-year-old beagle named Coco brought the dog to a local animal hospital after returning to her home and discovering that Coco was having difficulty breathing and had lacerations on her body.

A veterinarian’s exam showed that the dog had multiple rib fractures, subcutaneous emphysema, and multiple lacerations and abrasions that required emergency veterinary care to stabilize her.

Neronha added that the vet believed the injuries were caused by intentional trauma, and in a follow-up vet visit Coco was diagnosed with second- and third-degree thermal burns covering approximately 40 percent of her body

Members of the Scituate Police Department and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals performed an investigation and learned that the dog was in the care of the owner’s boyfriend, 23-year-old Nolette, between August and September 2022.

Neronha said that Nolette is alleged to have brought the dog to an animal hospital in August for emergency treatment for rib fractures.

Nolette surrendered himself to police on Sept. 26, 2022 after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on Oct. 11.