Arrests Made In Shooting Of German Shepherd In Derby: Police

DERBY, CT — Two people have been arrested in connection with last week's shooting of a German Shepherd, which was found in Derby Picnic Grove on Nutmeg Avenue, according to Derby police.

Stranja Perrin, 28, and Anthony Singletary, 27, who police said are homeless, have been charged with animal cruelty, reckless endangerment and weapons charges following a brief investigation.

The dog they are accused of shooting, which police said they were seen with before the incident, survived.

"'Thunda' is recovering well and under 24hr care with the staff at VCA shoreline in Shelton," Derby police wrote on Facebook (see below). "He is making improvements everyday, eating on his own, and taking his medicine. He has a long road ahead but, according to their staff, 'he is a fighter.'"

According to Derby police, Perrin contacted the department early Friday to report an injured German Shepherd at Coon Hollow Park, and Singletary was with her in the vehicle with her two young children.

"Subsequent investigation revealed from multiple sources that Perrin and Singletary were recently homeless, living out of the vehicle, and were in possession of a male German shepherd matching the injured dog’s description despite both denying owning a dog," Derby police wrote. "Video surveillance showed Perrin's vehicle arriving in the area of the park over 1 hour before reporting the injured dog."

Police found 10 9mm shell casings at the scene, and Perrin, who police said has a legal gun permit, was found with two 9mm handguns.

"The ammunition was consistent with the casings recovered at the scene," police said, adding that Singletary is a convicted felon.

Neither Perrin nor Singletary have previous arrests on animal cruelty charges, police said, but both were charged with the following:

Perrin - Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm; Conspiracy to Commit Cruelty to Animals; Conspiracy to Commit Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree; Risk of Injury (2 counts)

Singletary - Criminal Possession of a Firearm; Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm; Conspiracy to Commit Cruelty to Animals; Conspiracy to Commit Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree; Risk of Injury (2 counts)

Perrin was being held in lieu of bail of $75,000, while Singletary was being held in lieu of bail of $125,000. Both are scheduled to appear in Derby Superior Court on May 12.

Her two minor children were placed with family members, according to police.

Though there have been offers to adopt Thunda, police said that process is temporarily on hold, pending the legal case.

"We are working diligently to move things along," police said.