Reward Offered In Middletown Dog Abuse Case

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A reward is being offered for the person who abandoned an abused dog in Middletown, police said.

The dog was found on Halloween in McCutcheon Park at Crystal Lake in Middletown, police said. It is estimated that he had not been groomed in well more than a year and authorities believe he had been kept in a crate or a confined space "for a very long time," police said.

He's a small poodle mix who has been named Chucky and is in the care of local authorities.

"It took a team of people over two hours to completely shave him. It was difficult to sedate him because we could not get a syringe through the thickly matted fur. It was so bad that he was barely able to move his legs when walking," police said.

It took a few days for Chucky to get his bearings back and "learn how to walk normally and be a real dog again," police said

"He is slowly adjusting and coming out of his shell," they added.

Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $5,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the abandonment and condition of the dog. Anyone with information can call 860-638-4030. Callers may remain anonymous, police said.

Chucky is not currently adoptable, because he needs time in rehab, authorities said.