Danbury Dog Trainer Accused Of Cruelty Dies By Suicide

DANBURY, CT — Eddie Simon, a local dog-trainer who was facing animal-abuse charges, died by suicide Friday afternoon, News 12 Connecticut is reporting.

Known as "Eddie the Dog Guy," he was charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty by Danbury Police Thursday. Simon shot himself at the Pawloski Lumber yard in Bethel, according to the report.

One of Simon's former customers had begun an online petition, claiming that her dogs were returned to her in poor health. The campaign had over 560 supporters on Friday night.

The dogs formerly in Simon's care are now being cared for by Danbury Animal Control.