Possible case of animal cruelty in East Haven under investigation after video emerges

EAST HAVEN, Connecticut (WTNH) – East Haven authorities are investigating an alleged case of animal cruelty that occurred on Memorial Day.

The incident, which was caught on video, appears to show a man kicking a dog while out for a daytime walk. A resident who took the video spoke to News 8 but wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons.

“I was leaving my house to go shopping and I heard a man yelling at his dog. The dog tried to jump up to play with him, but he pulled him down with the leash and kicked him to the ground,” the witness said.

She said it was not the first time she had witnessed the person’s abuse.

“Every now and then I see him walking by around 10 a.m. when I’m taking out the trash or watering the plants, and I never had my phone with me – this time I happened to have my phone with me,” she said. “God knows what happens behind closed doors when this happens in broad daylight.”

East Haven Mayor Joseph Carfora said he was “deeply saddened by the incident” and the case is currently “an ongoing process involving both police and animal control.”

“I have complete confidence in our law enforcement and animal control officers to identify the perpetrator and prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law,” he said in an email.

“That’s no way to discipline a dog,” said Zilla Cannamela, a member of the animal rights group Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates, adding that cruelty in the state has reached an all-time high.

“We currently attend 65 to 70 court hearings per month,” she said. She also says that many cases are underreported.

Concerned residents, like the person who documented the alleged abuse in East Haven, say the dog deserves better.

“I just hope he goes to a good home and gets the best life he deserves,” she said.

As of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, there was no information on charges or an arrest. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact East Haven Police or Animal Control.

This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates.