WEST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) — A man who admitted to officers that he abandoned three dogs in West Greenwich over the summer is facing charges, according to police.

Scott Boucher Jr., 38, has been charged with three counts of abandoning an animal.

Police said Boucher confessed that he left the dogs at the end of Burnt Sawmill Road back in August with a bag of food.

The three dogs were spotted for several weeks in the Big River Management Area, but were unable to be captured. Trapper Dawn Phillips with Missing Dogs Massachusetts was eventually able to rescue them by learning their patterns and behaviors through trail cameras and feeding stations.

It wasn’t until after police shared the dogs’ story on social media that investigators learned of Boucher’s involvement.

Police said a West Warwick woman called and explained the dogs were hers, but she could no longer care for them. She said a family member, identified by police as Boucher, offered to adopt them out for her.

The woman was told by family that the dogs were brought to a home in Scituate, and then somewhere in Maine, according to police. Boucher eventually admitted to abandoning the dogs while being questioned by detectives.

Boucher pleaded not guilty back in September and was released on $3,000 personal recognizance. His next court date is scheduled for November.

West Greenwich Animal Control said one of the dogs has been adopted and the other two are still searching for their forever homes.

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