PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Police say a Rhode Island woman is facing animal cruelty and killing charges after she stole and injured her neighbor's ferret and poisoned her own dog. Both animals later died at a veterinary hospital.
Thirty-two-year-old Melissa Snead, of Providence, was arraigned in court Friday and released on her own recognizance.
Providence police say Snead told them she stole the ferret named Bear as "payback" for her neighbor taking things from her apartment. Authorities say there is no evidence of theft by the neighbor.
Police say both animals were found injured in Snead's apartment late last month. Officials say the ferret appeared to have a broken back and Snead's dog, a 4-year-old Chihuahua named Rhody, went into cardiac arrest.
An email message seeking comment was left for Snead on Saturday.
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