Treasure, Neglected Dog, Finds Safe Place In Foster Home & Justice In Court: RISPCA

CENTRAL FALLS, RI—A little dog has a new name, a new home and a shot at justice after she was neglected by her owners. Treasure, as she is now called, is between 16 and 18 years old. She likely does not have much time left, according to Dr. E.J. Finocchio, president of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, because of underlying conditions, such as an inoperable tumor. But the RI SPCA and the Friends of Homeless Animals, Inc. of RI will do their best to make sure her life is happy for all the time she has left.

She is eating and doing well in a foster home. Because she's too old and frail to survive anesthesia, he said, the decision has been made not to operate on the tumor. Veterinarians are treating her with antibiotics for her dental problems.

"We're delighted she's eating," Dr. Finocchio said and added she's been shaved to remove the mats and is being treated successfully for her skin infection.

Treasure was found covered with matted fur in a yard on Blackstone Street. The resident told police someone had abandoned the animal there after a neighbor called police to report the animal's condition. Dr. Finocchio was skeptical Treasure could have wandered far from home, given her condition.

In similar cases, he said, it's turned out the 'abandoned' dog was in its own yard or very close to home. The RI SPCA offered a $2,000 reward for information, and the facts quickly came to light. Indeed, the dog was in her own yard. The owner, Juan Gonzalez, and two other people living in the household were arrested, he said.

Gonzalez was charged with cruelty to animals. He pleaded guilty at his arraignment today and will serve 90 days of his 11 month sentence. He was also required to give up another dog in the same house.

Ciara Pabon and Jomar Gonzalez were charged with obstructing an officer in the execution of duty, conspiracy, and cruelty to animals. They pleaded not guilty.

Juan Gonzalez and Treasure had come to the RI SPCA's attention before, Dr. Finocchio said. Some years ago, he took her to a groomer in Lincoln. The groomer called to report the dog's condition because Treasure had been so badly neglected.

Dr. Finocchio said the owner could not be charged with abandonment, which is a more serious charge than cruelty, because Treasure was in her own yard. He might not even face upgraded charges if she dies as a result of neglect, he said.

"He was smart to plead guilty," he said.

Pabon and Jomar Gonzalez were released on personal recognizance pending a future court date, the RI SPCA said.

“It was a true community effort between the RISPCA, Central Falls Animal Control, Central Falls Police, and Friends of Homeless Animals of RI to find and hold accountable the individuals in question.” Said Joe Warzycha, Animal Cruelty Investigator, RISPCA. “Now it will be up to the justice system of Rhode Island to make sure the two remaining suspects are held accountable."

People who want to help can donate to the RI SPCA to replenish the reward money or to the Friends of Homeless Animals Of RI Inc.

Photos Courtesy Friends of Homeless Animals Of RI Inc.