The recent release from prison of a Rhode Island man who was convicted a year ago of killing and mutilating a family pet has prompted a state agency to issue a regional alert that the man may be looking for more felines to kill.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management on Friday sent an advisory to licensed animal care facilities all around the region to be on the lookout for Anthony Stravato, who is 25, of East Providence, or his girlfriend, Alyssa Lamountain, who is 20.
“Be advised that Stravato or his girlfriend … may attempt to adopt or purchase animals from your facilities. Stravato is prohibited from owning or being in contact with animals per court order,” the advisory states.
Stravato was arrested back in 2014 in East Providence in connection with the killing and mutilation at least two animals, a rat and his mother’s pet cat. He reportedly killed the cat in an attempt to impress a girl. He was sentenced in 2015 to just one year in prison and was released two weeks ago.
The advisory warns that authorities are concerned Stravato will pick up on his past behavior and may even be interested in harming larger animals.
Animal adoption facilities are being warned that if either Stravato or Lamountain seek to adopt or purchase an animal, they should immediately be denied, and either the local police or the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s division of law enforcement should also be contacted at 401-222-3070.
In addition, Stravato is also a registered sex offender in Rhode Island. In 2015, he was convicted of sending obscene materials to a 15-year-old girl.
On his Facebook page, in which he identifies himself as Anthony Homiecidez Stravato, Stravato refers to himself as a sociopath and evil, and brags about killing animals. In a July 22, 2015, post he noted: “9 animal souls possessed all together I will keep increasing and make art out of it all.”
Another post made on the same day reads “let me ask you (people) something do you think its wrong that i kill animals but less worse than how (people) kill cows and pigs for meat so does it make that world any better than I am?”
Stravato is described as white male, 6 feet tall, weighing about 140 pounds.
