$2K Reward For Information On Puppy, Shot, Killed And Dumped: Police

NEW HAVEN, CT — A puppy was shot and killed and then packed into a milk crate and left on Poplar Street in Fair Haven, police said.

It was just before noon Wednesday when Officer E. Diaz and Officer Loschiavowere were alerted by a concerned resident about the dog. Animal Control Officers Kiekel and Perry were called to the scene to provide their expertise in the matter, New Haven police spokesperson. Capt. Rose Dell said.

After briefly examining the puppy, the animal control officers believed the dog may have been shot, police said. The dog, now known as Justice, was transported to a local veterinary hospital, where his injuries were deemed consistent with a gunshot wound, police said. A full necropsy was scheduled to be conducted to uncover additional information.

Desmond’s Army has stepped forward and offered a reward of $2,000 for any information that can lead to the arrest of the person responsible for the death of Justice, Dell said. Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is a group of volunteer citizens who work together to better the lives of animals, according to its mission statement.

New Haven Police and Animal Control Officers are "urging the public to come forward with any information that can help the investigation," Dell said. If anyone has any information regarding this case, they are urged to contact Sergeant Macuirzynski of the Shooting Task Force at 475-224-0143.

In addition to this incident, Animal Control is finding more and more abandoned animals that are hurt, neglected, and in desperate need of medical care, Dell said. For those who'd be interested in helping shelter animals with a donation, contact Dell at rdell@newhavenct.gov.