Man Accused Of Killing Daughter’s Dog: North Branford Police

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — A Northford man is accused of killing his daughter’s dog, according to police.

Arnaldo Silva, 51, was arrested Wednesday and charged with cruelty to animals and second-degree threatening.

Police responded to a residence around 11:20 p.m. on Nov. 13 after receiving a 911 call for a possible domestic dispute, according to North Branford Deputy Police Chief James Lovelace.

Lovelace said responding officers were updated by the dispatcher that a man who lived at the residence had killed the daughter’s dog with an unknown weapon at the time of the call.

Officers arrived at the home and found a blood trail, leading from the living down the hallways, and into Silva’s bedroom, according to Lovelace. The officers saw Silva’s clothes covered in blood and said he had a bloody nose, according to Lovelace.

Lovelace said Silva appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and “became immediately uncooperative with the officers.”

Medical personnel were called to the scene, and Lovelace said Silva was taken to Yale-New Haven hospital for medical attention.

Police found the daughter’s 2-year-old bulldog dead, and said a bloody knife was found in the dog kennel, according to Lovelace.

The officers conducted an investigation along with the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office and East Haven Animal Control, which provides regional services to North Branford, according to Lovelace.

Silva was arrested on a warrant and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning.

“Incidents like this one remind us of the complex challenges law enforcement officers face every day,” Lovelace said in a statement. “I commend the swift and decisive action of our officers in ensuring the safety of the victim and apprehending the suspect. Our department remains dedicated to upholding the safety and well-being of our community. We too are appalled and disturbed by this atrocious violent crime and our heart and deepest sympathy go out to all involved. We are thankful for our first responders, partnerships with the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office and East Haven Animal Control. We look forward to a swift prosecution and conviction of the offender with the full extent of the law.”