Southington Cops Obtain Image Of Car From Which Puppy Was Tossed

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Police on Friday said a puppy tossed out of a car in a bag along a road in Southington is improving under the care of a veterinarian and that they now have images the vehicle involved. A reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of the culprit.

The dog, described as a young male beagle mix, was located by a passerby at 12:26 p.m. Thursday in the area of Empress Drive and West Center Street, animal control officials said.

The puppy was abandoned and left inside a paper shopping bag on the side of the road, authorities said. He appeared lethargic and showed signs of "severe neglect," animal control officials said.

Southington detectives obtained surveillance images showing the bag being dropped out of a light-colored four-door sedan on Empress Drive at about 11:35 a.m. Thursday.

Here is the car:

The puppy’s health is "improving," police said. He is starting to eat and play and is expected to recover from the ordeal.

Regarding adoption, police released the following statement:

"We appreciate the concern that has been shown for this puppy. The Southington Animal Control is receiving a large number of inquiries about adopting this puppy. At this the time puppy is not ready for adoption. When the puppy’s health has reached a point where he can be adopted out we will put this out to the public."

Police said the organization Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates Inc. has pledged a $500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. For more information, see www.desmondsarmy.org.

Police are considering the case to be an active criminal investigation for animal cruelty. Anyone with any information regarding this incident or the vehicle is being asked to contact Detective James Armack at 860-621-0101.