10 Dogs Killed At Facility Owned By New Canaan PD Officer: Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — At least 10 dogs are believed to have been shot and killed by employees, then buried on the property of a Naugatuck dog training facility owned by a New Canaan police officer, from which over 30 dogs were removed this week, according to police.

In a news release and during a press conference held Tuesday, Naugatuck police said the State Animal Control Unit, along with State and Stratford police, contacted the department in late April about possible animal cruelty and storage of illegal explosives and firearms at Black Rock Canines, located on Hunters Mountain Road.

According to police, Black Rock Canines is a training facility for potential military and police dogs, as well as dogs privately owned by people seeking such training.

The facility's owner, David Rivera Jr., 34, of Stratford, is a New Canaan police officer who was arrested Thursday on illegal possession of explosives and weapons charges.

See related: New Canaan Police Officer Placed On Leave Following Arrest: UPDATE

Based on the allegations, Naugatuck police and animal control officers launched their own investigation separate from Stratford and state police, officials said.

After speaking with witnesses, officers determined numerous dogs of all ages and breeds, including German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retrievers, had been abused and injured during their time at Black Rock Canines, police said.

More specifically, police said at least 10 canines have been shot and killed by employees, then buried on the property by the owner/operators of the business.

Naugatuck police assisted state, federal and Stratford police during a search at the facility on April 26. Naugatuck police later obtained a separate warrant and found evidence of animal cruelty and abuse, police said.

After further investigation over the weekend, police determined the facility's general manager, Daniel Luna, 33, of Waterbury, had abused numerous puppies and dogs while employed at the facility, according to police.

"Daniel Luna's mistreatment and abuse of these animals included the shooting of dogs which were deemed no longer viable for the business," police said in a news release. "Witnesses also stated that Daniel Luna's lack of adequate care led to the death of puppies who had been left exposed to harsh weather elements."

Police obtained a warrant Tuesday morning that allowed state and local animal control officers to remove the remaining 31 dogs at Black Rock Canines and place them in a shelter, where they will remain and receive proper care pending the disposition of the case.

Several euthanized dogs were also recovered by the Naugatuck Street Department at the Hunters Mountain Road property, according to police.

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Witnesses also told officers that military-grade high explosives were being unlawfully stored at the facility, police said.

According to police, Rivera directed employees on numerous occasions to remove high-grade explosives from a storage location at the facility and bring them inside the Naugatuck Event Center for canine training purposes. At the same time, numerous other people would typically be inside the event center using a cycling center or shopping at a retail clothing store, police said.

"These military-grade high explosives were allegedly stored in Tupperware containers," police said, "and handled by inexperienced employees who lacked the training or the necessary permits to do so."

Rivera turned himself in on a warrant Tuesday at the Naugatuck Police Department. He was charged with conspiracy to commit cruelty to animals, first-degree reckless endangerment and conspiracy to commit euthanization of a canine.

That same day, Luna turned himself in at the Naugatuck Police Department and was charged with four counts of cruelty to animals, four counts of conspiracy to commit cruelty to animals, first-degree reckless endangerment, four counts of unlawful euthanization of a canine, four counts of conspiracy to commit euthanization of a canine and third-degree identity theft.

Rivera was released after posting a $150,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court later this month. Luna was held on a $225,000 bond and arraigned in court Tuesday, according to police.

"The allegations outlined in these affidavits are not only illegal, but also disheartening," police said. "As a police agency with three successful working canines that serve our community to their highest capability, we are appalled at the treatment that other dogs of the same caliber were given while under the care of Black Rock Canines."

Police also noted the fact that Rivera, as a police officer, "used [his] authority in the commission of these crimes undermines the trust and confidence that all Connecticut Law Enforcement Officers seek to build with their community...it is our sincere hope that those involved in this case are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Rivera was previously arrested Thursday after Stratford police said high explosives were found improperly stored at Rivera's Stratford home. According to police, Rivera had no permit for possession of the high explosives, and he was also found to have an assault weapon in his possession.

On Friday, New Canaan Chief of Police Leon Krolikowski said in an email to Patch the department learned Wednesday of search warrants being served and evidence being recovered related to an active criminal investigation outside New Canaan involving Rivera's off-duty conduct.

Rivera was subsequently placed on leave and is currently prohibited from serving as an active-duty New Canaan police officer, according to Krolikowski.

"Mr. Rivera will remain on leave pending adjudication of any criminal case and the completion of an internal investigation," Krolikowski said in an email.

In addition to Rivera and Luna's arrests, police noted Rivera's father, David Rivera Sr., 57, of Stratford, was arrested Friday after he threatened one current and one former employee at Black Rock Canines with a knife, police said. He was charged with second-degree threatening and two counts of breach of peace.