Police: Woman taped dogs' mouths shut

JOHNSTON, R.I., Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Police in Johnston, R.I., say a woman left her two pit bulls with their mouths taped shut without food or water while she gave birth to her son at a hospital.

Diana Tetrault, 20, was charged with two counts of animal cruelty after she allegedly left the dogs alone in her apartment with their mouths taped shut for two days, the Providence (R.I.) Journal reported Tuesday.

Johnston police Maj. Ralph Bubar III said neighbors reported the sound of whimpering dogs to an animal control officer and told the officer no one had been seen entering or leaving the apartment in two days.

Bubar said Officer Erin Medeiros found the dogs in emaciated condition with injuries stemming from the electrical tape used to muzzle them.