Close to 30 Golden Retrievers — Including 20 Puppies — Rescued From 'Horrendous' Conditions in R.I.

On March 8, officials removed 20 puppies and 7 adult dogs from a Hopkinton, Rhode Island, property

27 Golden retriever puppies and adults rescued
Golden retrievers rescued by officials in Hopkinton, Rhode Island on March 8. Photo:

Hopkinton Police Department

  • Seven adult golden retrievers and 20 puppies were removed from a property in Hopkinton, Rhode Island
  • Authorities visited the residences to investigate claims of unlicensed breeding and reportedly found the dogs living in 'horrendous' conditions
  • The golden retrievers are under the care of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, where they are being treated for ringworm

On Friday, 27 golden retrievers were rescued from a residence in Hopkinton, Rhode Island.

Police described the conditions the retrievers, 20 puppies and seven adults, lived in as “horrendous,” local outlet WPRI-TV reported.

Following the Friday rescue, the Hopkinton Police Department shared a Facebook post detailing the situation and a collection of photos of officials transporting the dogs from the residence.

27 Golden retriever puppies and adults rescued
Two golden retrievers being rescued in Hopkinton, Rhode Island.

Hopkinton Police Department

According to the department, police partnered with an environmental scientist, the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) Hopkinton Animal Control, to retrieve the pups safely.

On Friday, the above officials responded to the residence "to investigate the unlicensed breeding of puppies as well as conditions detrimental to the health of the dogs," the Rhode Island police department said.

27 Golden retriever puppies and adults rescued
Two of the golden retrievers rescued in Hopkinton, Rhode Island.

Hopkinton Police Department

Photos included in the agency's social media post show puppies being carried from the residence by people wearing gloves, masks, and foot coverings, as well as puppies in dog crates in vans parked at the property.

According to the police department, the resident of the property containing the golden retrievers was "cooperative" and "surrendered" the canines. The dogs are now in the custody of the RISPCA, which "will begin an adoption process when the dogs are medically cleared."

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Hopkinton Animal Control said in a Friday Facebook post that the retrievers were given "wellness exams and TLC" after arriving at the RISPCA.

27 Golden retriever puppies and adults rescued
Golden retrievers rescued in Hopkinton, Rhode Island.

Hopkinton Police Department

After a day in RISPCA custody, the society shared an "important pupdate" about the canines, revealing that the dogs are not yet available to foster or adopt due to a fungal infection.

"The golden retriever pups and dogs recently surrendered to us have tested positive for ringworm," the RISPCA wrote in a Facebook post. "This means that they are NOT available for foster or adoption for several weeks."

"We are currently giving the dogs the medical care they need and cannot consider applications at this time," the post said. "We thank you for your patience and understanding."

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