Richmond farm owner charged with animal cruelty

RICHMOND, R.I. — A Richmond man has been charged with animal cruelty after authorities said multiple animals at a local farm were underweight and not properly cared for.

Dylan K. Gregory, 35, faces 24 misdemeanor charges, including 12 counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals and 12 counts of overwork, mistreatment, or failure to feed animals, according to court records.

Police began investigating after receiving complaints about possible animal neglect at Getaway Ranch on Bucknam Road.

Veterinarian reported severe condition of animals

According to an affidavit, authorities were contacted on January 30 after concerns were raised about the animals’ condition.

A veterinarian who went to the property the day prior reported that a donkey had to be euthanized because of severe emaciation. The veterinarian also stated that other animals on the property were not being properly fed or cared for.

Photos: Richmond Police Department

Property had prior court order

The affidavit also referenced a 2025 consent order issued by Washington Superior Court requiring that animals at the property be properly cared for and kept secure.

Investigators said Gregory signed the order on March 24, 2025. However, police responded to the farm later that same day after receiving a complaint that animals were loose on the property.

Authorities execute search warrant

Authorities from the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Richmond Police Department, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management executed a court-authorized search warrant at the farm on February 5.

Investigators met Gregory’s girlfriend at the property, who told officers that Gregory owned the animals. She said she and a contracted worker were caring for them while Gregory was on vacation in Mexico.

Several animals found underweight

During the search, authorities located:

• 10 cattle
• 7 goats
• 1 sheep
• 2 donkeys
• 1 chicken

Officials said eight of the ten cattle appeared visibly underweight, and two deceased cattle were also discovered on the property.

Investigators also said the cattle lacked adequate shelter, food, and access to unfrozen water during winter conditions. The donkeys had access to a damaged shelter with part of the roof missing.

Animals removed from property

Authorities arranged for several animals to be impounded and removed from the farm so they could receive proper food, shelter, and veterinary care.

Gregory is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday.