The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention to Cruelty to Animals (Rhode Island SPCA) announced on their website on Wednesday that they recently seized more than a dozen cats, and found the remains of more than two dozen cats from a home in Newport.

On July 18, 2018, the Rhode Island SPCA executed a search warrant at 103 Kay Street in Newport. A subsequent search of the premise revealed 18 cats found to be living in deplorable conditions, according to the organization. In addition, the remains of 26 deceased cats were found inside a freezer in the residence. The 18 cats were seized and 8 were transported to the RISPCA and 10 were transported to the Potter League for Animals.

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photos via RISPCA
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No suspect information is being released at this time, however, criminal charges will be forthcoming according to RISPCA.

The RISPCA was assisted by Newport Animal Control, Portsmouth Animal Control and the Potter League for Animals.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...