Dogs Removed From Facility Owned By New Canaan Officer Being Evaluated

NEW CANAAN, CT — Over 30 dogs removed from a Naugatuck canine training facility owned by a New Canaan police officer are receiving proper care and being evaluated by a veterinarian, according to Naugatuck police.

In a news release Wednesday, police emphasized the 31 dogs, which were removed from Black Rock Canines on Hunters Mountain Road, will not be available for fostering or adoption any time in the near future due to the animals being considered evidence in the investigation.

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"We ask that you please refrain from calling or emailing our Naugatuck Animal Control Division, the mayor's office or the police department with questions in regards to adoption or fostering of these dogs," police said in a news release. "Our animal control officers are being overwhelmed with phone calls, which is taking away from their primary goal of caring for these dogs."

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

Police noted they were thankful for the outpouring of concern and support over the animals in this case. While they are not available to adopt at this time, police said there are six other dogs currently at Naugatuck Animal Control who are ready to be adopted.

"These six dogs, some of which have been with us since 2019, are all listed on the Naugatuck Animal Control Facebook page," police said. "While they are not involved in this case, they each deserve a good home too, so we ask you to consider adopting or fostering one of these available dogs."

According to police, 31 dogs were removed from Black Rock Canines after an in-depth investigation led police to believe at least ten dogs had been shot and killed by employees, then buried on the property of the training facility.

These and other shocking details, revealed Tuesday by police, resulted in the arrest of David Rivera Jr., a New Canaan police officer and Stratford resident who owns the facility, and Daniel Luna, the facility's general manager, on a host of animal cruelty and other charges.

Full details of that investigation can be found here.

Last week, New Canaan Chief of Police Leon Krolikowski told Patch that Rivera had been placed on leave and is currently prohibited from serving as an active-duty New Canaan police officer.

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