Man Accused Of Abusing Dog, Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges: North Haven PD

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A North Haven man was arrested Tuesday on animal cruelty charges, according to police.

Police said they were made aware of an animal cruelty complaint on Sunday while they were investigating an unrelated incident.

Through investigation, police said it was learned that the suspect, 25-year-old Giovanni Whitmore of North Haven, had “escalated behavior towards a household dog from discipline to displays of violence and aggression.”

“These actions included full force, closed fist striking of the dog's body, neck, and head,” police wrote in a post on Facebook. “Additionally, it is alleged the dog was forced to stand on her hind legs for hours at a time.

“Consultation regarding the allegations was made with North Haven Animal Control, who agreed the alleged behavior by Whitmore towards the dog was far beyond any reasonable training/discipline standards. The dog has since been removed from the residence.”

Whitmore was arrested Tuesday and served Risk Protection Orders (RPO) and Risk Protection Warrants, according to police. He was charged with two counts of animal cruelty and one count of second-degree threatening.

Whitmore was being held in lieu of a $150,000 bond, according to police.

“We will not stand for animal cruelty in our community,” police wrote. “Every living being deserves compassion and respect. If you harm an animal, you will be held accountable.”