RI investigating unlicensed dog shelter
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Rhode Island animal welfare officials are investigating a woman they allege operated an unlicensed dog shelter and rounded up stray dogs for adoption.
The state's Department of Environmental Management says Gina Brown-Parra runs Ryan's Hope Rescue, which is not licensed as an animal shelter.
State officials say Brown-Parra allegedly adopted out strays that she found in Providence, Cranston and Coventry. One dog found at Brown-Parra's home later died from parvovirus. Other dogs were transferred to shelters.
Officials say owners of dogs adopted from Brown-Parra in the past month should call their veterinarian and that anyone missing a dog in Providence, Cranston or Coventry should contact animal control.
Brown-Parra's attorney says his client didn't need a license for her non-profit dog rescue group. He says she never stole any dogs.
