Police serving warrant in Woonsocket find 14 pit bulls

By Tatiana Pina WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Woonsocket police serving a search warrant on Rathbun Street Friday morning arrested two men on drug charges and found 14 pit bulls, including seven puppies, in the apartment.

Police served the search warrant at 95 Rathbun St., 2L, and arrested Miguel Medina, 22, and Juan Olivio, 35, both of 95 Rathbun. Police charged Medina with possession of marijuana and possession of oxycodone. They charged Olivio with possession of marijuana, first offense.

While in the apartment, police located 14 pit bulls, but only two of the dogs were properly licensed.

The mother and her puppies are being held by Lincoln Animal Control and the RISPCA took control of four adult dogs.

Dr. E.J. Finocchio, president of the RISPCA, said that he had looked the dogs over visually and they both looked in excellent condition and had not been spayed or neutered. He said that the female appeared to have had several litters. "They were definitely breeding," he said.

Woonsocket Animal Control is holding the other dogs. The tenants have been cited for numerous animal violations totaling close to $1600 in fines.