A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the identity of the owner or owners of a severely emaciated dog found dead on a walking trail in Wolcott.
Wolcott Animal Control said it received a call on Friday around 1 p.m. about a dead canine located on the walking trail near St. Pius at 517 Woodtick Road, according to a social media post.
Wolcott Police Department officers quickly responded to the scene and met with the individual who led them to the body of the dog located about 10 feet off the trail by the base of a tree. Officers processed the scene, as animal control was called in to assist.
According to animal control, the dog, a small female tan and white pit bull mix between 1 and 3 years old, had no identification or a microchip. The dog displayed no obvious signs of trauma such as being hit by car, broken bones, gun shot wounds or other external injuries. The dog, however, appeared to be severely emaciated with a reported body score of 1 out of 10, animal control said.
“We believe that this was not the canine’s place of death in that particular area and that the canine was indeed placed there postmortem,” animal control said.
The dead dog was located under a tree about 10 feet of a walking trail near St. Pius at 517 Woodtick Road in Wolcott. (Courtesy of Wolcott Animal Control)
The canine was transported to UConn Pathobiology and Veterinary Science in Storrs for a necropsy that was fully funded by Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates to give animal control a better idea of a time frame and cause of death.
“We have an idea of a time frame when she was placed in the area,” animal control said. “We are still reviewing cameras and tracking down leads. This is still an active investigation.”
Animal control officials said they chose to share the horrific photos of the dog in the hopes of finding the person or persons responsible. To give the dog “some sort of dignity,” animal control officials gave the dog a proper name of Winter.
“We also have requested to get her remains back and to have Winter properly cremated and she will remain with us knowing that although she was failed by someone we will give her the dignity Winter deserves,” officials said. “Fly free sweet girl over that rainbow bridge. You have our hearts, and we will not rest until we have exhausted all means to bring you the justice you deserve.”
Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to arrest and prosecution of the owner or owners.
“Every animal deserves dignity, love, and justice — no exceptions,” according to a statement from Zilla Cannamela, president and co-founder of Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates “This sweet girl, whom has been named Winter, was failed in the most heartbreaking way, but we won’t let her story end without accountability. We’re committed to fighting for her and all animals like her.
“A huge thank you to the vigilant resident who reported this incident — your compassion made all the difference,” Cannamela added. “We also extend our deepest gratitude to Wolcott Dog Pound ACO Roslyn Nenninger and Wolcott Police Department Chief Edward Stephens for taking this seriously and conducting a thorough investigation. Your dedication to animal welfare sets the example.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wolcott Police Department 203-879-1414 or Wolcott Animal Control at 203-879-7620.