8 Dogs Killed In East Providence Shed Fire

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — A shed fire in East Providence Monday left eight dogs dead, including a mother and seven puppies, city fire officials said.

Firefighters were called to a Walnut Street home around 2 a.m. for reports of a shed fire in the backyard.

After extinguishing the flames, firefighters found eight dead dogs in the 96-square-foot shed. Fire officials said the shed was being used as a kennel. Fire officials said the fire was caused by a space heater in one of the sheds.

Animal control officials told the Providence Journal another mother dog and her litter were in another shed and were unharmed. Both kennels had golden retrievers in them. Animal Control Supervisor William Muggle told the Providence Journal the dog owners were hobby breeders, meaning they are not required to have a license because they breed fewer than three litters a year.