Police in Naugatuck are looking to identify the person responsible for an animal abuse case involving a dog that was found with a chain embedded into its skin.
The animal was found on May 13 at about 1 p.m. in the area of Platt Mills Road and was in such poor condition that an animal rights group has offered a cash reward for information leading to the owner, according to the Naugatuck Police Department.
The dog, a Siberian husky that has since been named “Justice,” was lured into a car by concerned citizens before being turned over to Naugatuck Animal Control. The animal had difficulty walking and an “apparent lack of body weight,” police said.
The husky was treated at the Central Valley Animal Hospital in New York, where it had a 28-inch chain removed from its neck. He was diagnosed with an “abscess wound as a result of the chain embedded into his skin, a fever and poor body condition at intake,” according to Naugatuck police.
Justice is still recovering after surgery and is expected to become available at some point for adoption.
Naugatuck police said they are looking to identify the owner of the abused animal, who could be charged with animal cruelty, which is a felony in Connecticut, the department said at a press conference on Monday.
Desmond’s Army, a group of animal rights activists, has offered a $1,500 reward for information leading to the identity of the person or persons responsible for the abuse of Justice.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Naugatuck Police Department confidential tip line at 203-720-1010 or email naugatuckanimalcontrol@gmail.com