Dogs Found Dead Were Under Care Of Rescue Group President

FAIRFIELD, CT — As Fairfield Police continue to investigate an animal cruelty case after the remains of several dogs were found inside of a home last week, a local rescue group has confirmed that its president was supposed to be caring for the dogs.

Fairfield Police responded to a home on Prince Street on Nov. 14 on the report of animal cruelty. Responding officers found several animal carcasses, which are believed to be dogs, in crates within the residence, Lt. Robert Kalamaras said at the time. Fairfield Animal Control and Detectives responded to the house to investigate further. The remains were removed after a search warrant for the residence was conducted, according to Kalamaras.

After seeing the news reports, the members and volunteers of Bully Breed Rescue, Inc. recognized the Prince Street address and “immediately began cooperating with local police and detectives,” according to a statement by Bully Breed Rescue Vice President Chris Antolini on the group’s website.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm all five dogs on Prince Street were dogs of Bully Breed Rescue, Inc. under the care of President Heidi Lueders,” Antolini said in the statement. “Over the last 7 months, Ms. Lueders had previously communicated to members and volunteers that she had sent four of these dogs to a sanctuary and the fifth dog was in a foster which she was monitoring. None of these dogs were known to be within the residence of Prince Street.

“At this time, all information we have has been provided to the police. We will continue cooperating with the investigation and anything that is needed to help find justice for our dogs. We, like everyone in this community, share in your grief and shock. Our focus now is continuing to ensure the safety and health of the dogs in our rescue and protecting all of the volunteers and adopters who graciously donated their time to a cause we all believe in.”

Police told the Fairfield Citizen that they expect to apply for an arrest warrant in the case at some point next week but wouldn’t identify the suspect.

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