Assault Victim, 4 Dead Puppies Found In Van, Groton Police Say

GROTON, CT — A man was charged after police found an assault victim, four dead puppies, and three other dogs in a U-Haul, according to Groton City police. The man was also charged with domestic violence and drug crimes.

Police responded Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. on an animal welfare concern report at the Motel 6.

Officers found a U-Haul van with its windows obscured. Inside the vehicle, police found a woman and three live dogs, which were being "housed in unsanitary conditions, and without food, water, or proper ventilation," according to police.

Police found four dead puppies in the vehicle as well.

An investigation found that the woman "had been subjected (to) physical violence," police said.

Police found the suspect, James Williams, 34, who they said possessed suspected methamphetamines, drug paraphernalia, and multiple identification cards belonging to various females at the time of his arrest.

Williams was taken into custody, and the three dogs were seized by animal control. The dead puppies were taken to the University of Connecticut for a necropsy to determine the cause of death.

Williams was held on $250,000 cash/surety bond and charged with seven counts of cruelty to animals, cruelty to persons, second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia, interfering with an officer, and operating with a suspended license.