Truck Sought For Investigation Of Dog's Death: West Haven Police

WEST HAVEN, CT — Police are asking for help with identifying the owner/operator of a pickup truck in connection to their investigation of a dog that was found burned to death late last week. Police said a deceased small dog, possibly a 1-year-old “mini Schnauzer” with cropped ears and a cropped tail, was found at the source of a fire that was extinguished in the Sandy Point Beach parking lot. Emergency crews had responded to area of Beach Street near Third Avenue/Second Avenue at about 10 a.m. on July 5 on the report of an "uncontained fire" in the Sandy Point Beach parking lot.

Police shared a photo of a pickup truck on social media Tuesday and emphasized that the “occupant(s) of said vehicle are NOT SUSPECTS in this investigation. The Police would simply like to interview the occupant(s) in the hopes they may have information pertinent to the investigation.”

“Also, although not sanctioned by the West Haven Police Department it has come to our attention that there are private fundraiser(s) accepting donations and/or pledges for a reward to be issued for information leading to the arrest/conviction of the perpetrator of this [heinous] act,” police wrote in a post on Facebook. “The West Haven police are not involved in these fundraising activities and cannot accept any donations on their behalf. Please do your own research and reach out to them directly if you choose to participate.

“We would also like to remind anyone who thinks they may have witnessed anything (No matter how minor) to contact this agency. In investigations of this type it is sometimes the smallest details that may not seem important on their own which assist in solving the investigation. Also, if you are missing a small dog and live in the area please contact either Animal Control or the West Haven Police Department.”

In an update, police said the operator of the vehicle has been identified, located and interviewed regarding the incident.

"The subject was confirmed to have had NO INVOLVEMENT in this incident, but did assist with the investigation," police said in a post on Facebook. "Thank you to the public for your assistance."

Anyone who may have seen the fire or any other suspicious activity in the area between 10 p.m. July 4 and 10 a.m. July 5 is asked to contact the West Haven Police Department (203) 937-3900 or Detective Wolf at (203) 937-3934, or EMAIL: mwolf@whpd.com.