Dog struck by car

String of animal cruelty cases continue in Connecticut

WOODBRIDGE — Woodbridge Municipal Animal Control (WAC) is helping a dog named “Merritt” recover after finding her tortured and struck by two vehicles on July 15, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page. It’s only the latest in several animal cruelty cases that have occurred this month.

After one SUV hit the dog on the Merritt Parkway, she began to run across the road’s northbound lanes. A second struck her, dislocating Merritt’s rear left leg, which had to be amputated, WAC said.

When animal control officers responded to the scene, they found signs that “Merritt” had previously been tortured, with “mangled” ears as well as scars on her legs and chest, according to WAC’s post, which added that the dog had been underfed.

Veterinary treatment for Merritt cost some $5,000, and she is now recovering in an officer’s foster care.

“When will it stop?”, the post asked of animal cruelty.

On July 1, Woodbridge officers responded after a dog, abandoned in a cage, was found dead in the woods of neighboring Bethany.

A few days later, West Haven police found a miniature schnauzer burned to death in the Sandy Point Beach parking lot. Police identified two suspects in the case the following week.

And New Haven police have been investigating reports from residents in the Clark Street neighborhood who suspect their dogs have been poisoned. Residents noticed their dogs getting sick as early as May and June, WFSB reported.

One dog owner told WFSB his Labradoodle suffered internal bleeding.

Donations toward Merritt’s care can be made online, or by mailing a check to: ONE BIG DOG

135 Bradley Road Woodbridge CT 06525.