Arrest Made in Frozen Dog Death Case in Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — A woman whose dog was found dead in the back yard of her Hartford home was arrested early Thursday morning and charged with animal cruelty.

Michelle Bennett, 50, of Adams Street, was charged on a warrant that police attempted to serve at her home. , She was found about six blocks away on Cabot Street just before 1 a.m. Thursday, police said.

Bond has been set at $2,500.

On Jan. 1, a neighbor called police to say a pit bull mix was chained in the back yard of Bennett's home in frigid weather conditions. Officers determined the dog was dead, and speculated the animal may have been outside for as long as a month, police said.

Photo courtesy of Hartford Police Department