NAUGATUCK — A young gray and white Staffordshire terrier was found dead Friday morning at Hillside Cemetery, leading police to investigate the case as a potential animal cruelty incident.
At around 9:45 a.m., Naugatuck Animal Control received a call from the cemetery’s caretaker who discovered the extremely emaciated canine.
Authorities estimate the dog’s age to be between 6 months to 6 years old, but due to the severity of its condition, an accurate age could not be determined.
Naugatuck Police Detectives and Animal Control officers treated the scene as a crime scene, which has since been cleared.
The dog is believed to have died overnight or in the early morning hours.
Officials are asking anyone with information about the individual(s) responsible for the dog’s condition to contact Naugatuck Animal Control via email at [email protected] or by calling 203.729.4324 or the confidential tip line at 203-720-1010.
Desmond’s Army, an animal rights advocacy group, has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of the person(s) involved.
The reward offer will expire in 90 days.
The investigation into this incident remains active as authorities seek justice for the deceased animal.