'Prolonged Neglect:' 2 Southington Residents Caring For Friend's Dog Charged After It Died

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Two Southington residents have been charged with animal cruelty after a 3-year-old Australian shepherd they had been caring for was found dead and severely emaciated in March, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

Arnelle Griffith and Imani Griffith were each charged Aug. 20 with cruelty to animals, according to court documents.

Both are scheduled to return to New Britain Superior Court on Oct. 16, according to online court records.

The investigation began March 25, when Southington Animal Control Officer Josh Karabin was called to a residence about a dead dog, according to an affidavit submitted by Southington Police Det. Brandon Massarelli.

The dog, named Echo, belonged to a friend of the Griffiths who was deployed overseas as an active-duty member of the U.S. military, the affidavit said.

Arnelle Griffith told animal control that she and Imani Griffith had been caring for Echo for about 14 months, according to the affidavit..

Dog Found In Enclosed Alleyway

Karabin found Echo curled up in the far corner of an enclosed alleyway measuring approximately 3 feet by 10 feet, according to the affidavit.

Investigators described the space as having a concrete floor, solid walls and ceiling, and a solid door that prevented natural light from entering.

A small dish near the door contained food, and investigators observed pools of urine in various stages of drying but no feces.

No bedding was found, according to the warrant.

Karabin described Echo as severely emaciated.

The dog's bones were protruding, and the animal was unusually light when picked up, according to the affidavit.

Investigators said the dog's condition and urine staining suggested he had not been able to walk for an extended period before his death.

The affidavit also described a serious injury to Echo's left front paw in which soft tissue and muscle were missing from multiple toes, leaving bone exposed.

Veterinarian: 'Prolonged Neglect'

Echo was taken to Southington Veterinary Hospital, where a veterinarian reported that the dog weighed 20.8 pounds, according to the affidavit. His estimated healthy weight was approximately 35 to 40 pounds.

The veterinarian described Echo as severely emaciated and said the combination of significant weight loss and urine staining indicated "a strong likelihood of prolonged neglect," according to the warrant.

The veterinarian also determined that severe trauma would have been necessary to cause the injuries to the dog's paw.

Police said the dog's body was later transported to the University of Connecticut for a full necropsy.

Arnelle and Imani Griffith told investigators that Echo stayed outside because he did not get along with their two other dogs, according to the affidavit.

They told police that Echo had appeared fine March 24, although tired, and was found dead the following day, reads the affidavit.

Arnelle Griffith told investigators she had noticed the paw injury about a week earlier and believed it was a broken nail, according to the warrant.

Necropsy Cited Emaciation, Sepsis

The necropsy found severe emaciation, partial loss of the left paw, and other medical conditions, according to the affidavit.

The report found evidence that the paw injury was chronic and had begun healing.

Investigators said the necropsy indicated changes in Echo's liver were most likely caused by sepsis resulting from the paw lesion.

The report also noted that a distended gallbladder suggested low or sporadic food intake, which correlated with the dog's emaciated condition.

The necropsy could not determine how the paw injury occurred, according to the affidavit.

Massarelli wrote investigators believed there was probable cause that Echo had not been properly cared for and was being neglected.

"Echo's physical condition and the results from the necropsy indicate that he was not being fed properly and that the injury to his front left paw led to sepsis," Massarelli wrote in the warrant application. "The combination led to a physical condition that could not sustain life and ultimately led to Echo's death."

A judge subsequently found probable cause to issue an arrest warrant.

Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates, a Connecticut organization that follows animal cruelty cases, has publicized the case and said it plans to follow the proceedings.

Arnelle Griffith and Imani Griffith are due back in New Britain Superior Court on Oct. 16.