Dogs used in alleged opioid scam up for adoption

GUILFORD — After spending five months at the Guilford Police Animal Shelter, two dogs allegedly abused in connection with the illegal procurement of opioids are now ready to be sprung.

Their owner allegedly used the animals to illegally obtain pain medication from area veterinarians to use for himself and the animals

The dogs, an American bulldog mix and a Labrador mix, are up for adoption. Lily is about 9 years old and is a bulldog mix. Wasabi, a Labrador Terrier mix, is about 5. Both dogs seem to be in good health and spirits, according to the Animal Shelter Facebook page.

“She (Lily) is an absolute love and adores any and all attention,” reads a Facebook post. “She is a quiet girl and moves a little slow due to a slight deformity on her leg.”

Wasabi, “is full of energy and runs like the wind.

“He would great for someone who likes to take long walks or jogs as he has energy for days !!!! ” according to the Facebook post.

“It would be great if they could be adopted together but not required,” the post continues.

Interested applicants can call 203-453-8083 to schedule an appointment to meet the dogs.

James Cunnington, 33, of East Haven, was arrested in October 2018 for allegedly harming his dogs to obtain opioids from veterinary offices along the shoreline, police said. He was scheduled to appear in court March 18. Cunnington could not be reached for comment.

The charges against Cunnington include four counts of cruelty to animals, six counts of illegally obtaining a prescription drug and four counts of doctor shopping.

The medications were prescribed to the dogs, which were suffering from “suspicious reoccurring injuries” that included “lacerations,” police said. Police did not provide more details on the injuries.