Coventry Man Faces Animal Cruelty Charges for 5 Malnourished Dogs

COVENTRY, RI — Coventry Police are reminding the community that animal cruelty is a serious crime, unacceptable, and avoidable, after charging another local dog owner with animal cruelty for a dog in his care, malnourished and bleeding, that veterinarians could not treat and had to euthanize.

Four puppies, also malnourished and dehydrated, were rescued from the same home and are faring well, police report.

“This case is a heartbreaking reminder of why the work of our Animal Control Officers and Police Officers is so critical,” said Coventry Police Chief Benjamin Witt. “I want to personally thank everyone involved for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to advocating for these animals who cannot speak for themselves. Their professionalism and compassion ensured that these animals received the care and protection they desperately needed.”

On Jan. 7, an unidentified person brought the dog, a small, tan, female adult mixed breed, to the Coventry Animal Shelter at 1670 Flat River Road, according to police. The dog was visibly emaciated, her hips, ribs, and spine clearly visible through her skin. The dog was lethargic, unable to lift her head, stand, or walk, and was bleeding from her hind end. Due to the severity of her condition, the dog was immediately transported to a local veterinary clinic for emergency treatment.

Coventry Animal Control initiated an animal cruelty investigation, during which they learned that several puppies were also present at the home where the emaciated dog had been. Coventry Animal Control Officers and Coventry Police  immediately responded and spoke with the homeowner, Michael Beausoleil, 62, of Mapledale St. in Coventry, RI, who confirmed he owned the emaciated dog and said that four puppies were also in the home. Animal Control Officers took custody of the puppies and transported them to the veterinary clinic for evaluation as well.

Veterinary staff determined that the adult dog’s condition was the result of prolonged and severe neglect. Sadly, due to the extent of her suffering, the humane decision was made to euthanize the dog. The four puppies were also found to be malnourished and dehydrated; however, they were in a position to receive treatment and ultimately survived. The puppies were then placed into the care of Coventry’s Animal Control Officers, according to police.

The four puppies  have since been successfully adopted.

Police charged Beausoleil with one felony count of Unnecessary Cruelty to Animals – Death Resulting, and four misdemeanor counts of Unnecessary Cruelty to Animals during a Feb. 11 arraignment before a 3rd District Court judge in in Kent County District Court. Beausoleil was released on $1,000 personal recognizance with a court order not to possess any more dogs.

Police: Animal Cruelty Serious, Unacceptable, Avoidable

The case is the second reported by police in recent months. Hanz, the German Shepherd, found in a Circle Drive home in December, also emaciated and in need of immediate care from animal cruelty Dec. 19, was rescued in time and nursed back to health. Police announced that case Jan. 14 as Hanz’s owner also faced animal cruelty charges in Third Division District Court.

In reporting the latest animal cruelty incident, Coventry Animal Control and the Coventry Police Department  reminded the public that animal cruelty and neglect are serious offenses. They encouraged anyone with concerns regarding the welfare of an animal to report them immediately to local authorities.

“Sadly, senseless acts of cruelty against animals appear to be occurring more frequently in our community,”  Witt said. “This behavior is unacceptable and entirely avoidable. We will continue to work closely with Animal Control to investigate these cases thoroughly and hold individuals accountable when animals are subjected to neglect or abuse.”