BY ANDREAS YILMA
Citizens News
NAUGATUCK — An animal advocacy organization is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who dumped a heat-stricken and neglected puppy earlier this month.
A borough resident found the 8-month-old, black-and-white pit-bull mix off Great Hill Road near Schildgen Pond on the evening of June 3. With help from Prospect Animal Control, the dog was rushed to Central Veterinary Hospital in North Haven for treatment of possible heat stroke and other medical concerns, Naugatuck Animal Control said in a news release.
Central Veterinary Hospital nurses named the dog Ralphy, borough animal control officer Steve Rupsis said.
Ralphy suffered from more than just heat stroke, including obvious signs of neglect, being underweight, in poor body condition, with severe skin infections and an untreated injury to the left side of his neck that caused a severe infection impacting his left eye, according to animal control.
The dog was treated in the ICU and released to the care of Naugatuck Animal Control. He is not available for adoption at this time.
“(Ralphy) is doing well and is expected to make a slow but full recovery,” Rupsis said.
Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates of Winsted posted on its website the $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of anyone responsible for the dumping and/or condition of Ralphy.
“This boy has proved to be extremely loving, well-behaved, gentle and eager to please,” the animal control press release reads. “He deserves justice. Please help us help him.”
Desmond’s Army is a group of volunteers working to improve the lives of animals. The group is focused on impacting animal welfare legislation through being a voice for the voiceless in the courts and at the state Capitol.
Anyone with information about Ralphy’s case is asked #<t$>to call Naugatuck Animal Control at 203-729-4324 with the reference case #24-12897 or the confidential tip line at 203-720-1010.