Mother, Son Accused Of Abusing Dog In Wethersfield: Police

WETHERSFIELD, CT — Wethersfield police have charged a mother and her son following an animal cruelty investigation involving a dog found in distress along Silas Deane Highway.

On Monday, the Wethersfield Police Department said Melanie Amaral, 38, of Wethersfield, went to police headquarters on April 21 with her son, Jeremiah Santiago, 19, to report they had found a dog on Silas Deane Highway.

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Wethersfield Animal Control officers responded and determined the dog was in “neurological distress, underweight, and had matted fur,” according to police.

The dog was transported to a local veterinary hospital for treatment and has since recovered successfully.

An investigation later determined Amaral owned the dog and that the animal had not been found abandoned as initially reported, police said.

As a result of the investigation, arrest warrants were issued for Amaral and Santiago.

Police said both were taken into custody on May 21.

Amaral was charged with cruelty to animals and providing a false statement, along with obstruction of an animal control officer.

Santiago was charged with cruelty to animals and obstruction of an animal control officer.

Both were released on a $2,000 bond and are scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on June 11.