Woman arrested in Portsmouth dog abandonment case
One of two dogs found at Glen Farm had to be euthanized
PORTSMOUTH — A 29-year-old Newport woman was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 15, and charged with felony animal cruelty in connection with the abandonment of two emaciated dogs found at Glen Farm on Thanksgiving Day.
Joneya Mack, of 59 John H. Chaffee Boulevard, was taken into custody by Newport Police on Wednesday, based on an affidavit warrant issued by Portsmouth Police.
On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, Portsmouth Police opened an investigation regarding two emaciated dogs that had been abandoned on the side of the road in the Gardner Seveney Sports complex.
The dogs, which officers named Turkey and Gravy, were taken to an emergency veterinarian where they received treatment for neglect. One of the dogs was euthanized because of her poor health.
As the result of a three-week investigation, Portsmouth Police detectives determined that Mack had neglected and then abandoned the two emaciated dogs, according to police. Newport Police responded to Mack's residence Wednesday and took her into custody based on Portsmouth’s affidavit warrant.
Mack was charged with one count each of unnecessary cruelty of an animal, abandonment of an animal, felony unnecessary cruelty of an animal and felony abandonment of an animal. Mack was later arraigned and released on bail from Portsmouth Police headquarters.
She is scheduled to be re-arraigned today, Dec. 16, at 2nd District Court, Newport.
Shortly after the two dogs were found, the Potter League for Animals announced it was offering a $15,5000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible.
“While we understand these are unprecedented times with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Potter League for Animals remains available for emergency situations and has programs and resources available to anyone that is in need of assistance with their animals. There is never an excuse to abandon an animal,” the Potter League stated in a press release last month.
The Potter League said it continues to prioritize intakes and will admit those of an emergency nature, including emergency boarding for unforeseen crises, pet safekeeping for victims fleeing domestic violence, and surrenders where a risk is posed to the animal.
