Westport’s animal case costs approach $200,000

EastBayRI.com ·

Town expenses stemming from the American Legion Highway animal cruelty saga are estimated to be in the range of $150,000 to $200,000, selectmen said at their last meeting in December.

In the meantime, police say there have been no charges filed yet in the case but they are hopeful that arrests are near.

While holding back on details due to legal concerns, Selectman Chairman R. Michael Sullivan said the town is seeking full reimbursement and has been in discussions with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The ASPCA has said that the town could expect reimbursement for its work on the case.

Costs borne by the town include overtime (police, for instance, were stationed at the crime scene entrance for weeks at a time around the clock), legal fees and more.

Selectmen also reported that, when town officials were finally able to get in to the property for a closer look, no animals were found on any of the 21 lots.

They did, however, find plenty of trash and solid waste of various sorts, unlicensed structures, and evidence that rats remain on the property despite clams that an exterminator had been brought in to deal with that issue.

Asked last week about arrests, a Westport detective said that the state Attorney General’s office, which is in charge of prosecutions, has not yet filed charges but he added that he hopes that, perhaps later in the month, there will be some announcement.

Police have cited the vast files of evidence gathered and testimony taken and provided by investigators, veterinarians and others. That evidence includes thousands of photographs documenting every lot and animal involved.

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