The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has released an advisory stating that they believe an East Providence sex offender convicted of torturing and killing small animals will kill again.
Environmental officials tipped off animal shelters to 25-year-old Anthony Stravato, a Level 3 sex offender who was released from prison last Friday. Stravato served an eight-month sentence for the brutal mutilation and slaying of his mother's cat in 2014.
The state's licensed animal-care facilities were also warned about Stravato's girlfriend, who environmental officials believe may help him adopt or purchase animals to harm.
Department of Corrections spokesman J.R. Ventura says Stravato's case deserves special attention based on his past history of violence, propensity to re-offend and other factors.
A court order prohibits Stravato from having any contact with animals.
