10 dogs possibly poisoned in Warwick

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) -- Investigators have increased the number of dogs they believe may have been poisoned in a Warwick neighborhood.

Ten dogs in the Governor Francis Farms area may have been poisoned since 2004, according to the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals -- and officials have a person of interest in mind that could be connected.

When Eyewitness News first reported the story last month, investigators believed six dogs were affected.

The RISPCA said Wednesday they now believe the 10 cases are related -- and five of those cases ended with the animal dying. The dogs all experienced similar symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, and paralysis.

The owners of the dogs that got sick also all reported the animals had walked near the lawn of one particular resident before getting sick.

Warwick Police are now investigating to see if there is evidence of a crime, or reason to press charges.

A person convicted of a charge of "malicious injury to or killing animals" -- a felony -- could face a $1,000 maximum fine, and up to two years in jail per count.