Health of Southington Abandoned Puppy 'Improving'

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The puppy that was tossed out of a car in a bag on a busy road in Southington earlier this month is improving under the care of an area vetirnary practice, police said Friday.

The dog is not quite ready to be adopted, police added.

The dog, described as a young male beagle mix, was located by a passerby at 12:26 p.m. Aug. 8. He was on the roadside in the area of Empress Drive and West Center Street, animal control officials said. The puppy was left inside a paper shopping bag, authorities said. He appeared lethargic and showed signs of "severe neglect," animal control officials said.

The puppy was transported to a local veterinarian for care, authorities said.

A criminal investigation for animal cruelty has begun, according to police. Anyone with information on this puppy is asked to contact Detective James Armack at 860-378-1649 or jarmack@southingtonpolice.org.