Representatives of Bully Breed Rescue Cooperating with Police Investigation of 5 Dead Dogs in Fairfield

This weekend the dog rescue and adoption community reacted with outrage after the discovery of carcasses of five large dogs in a home in Fairfield.

All that remained of the dogs, who were discovered last Wednesday on Prince Street was their skeletons.

Photos circulating on Facebook show the dogs’ remains inside metal dog crates. In one disturbing photo a collar is still on a dog’s neck.

Other photos show piles of trash, drug paraphernalia and dog feces.

Reached by phone on Monday, Fairfield Police Lt Bob Kalamaras said no arrest warrant had been obtained and that the case is still being actively investigated.

“We have to look at all the facts before we put in for a warrant,” he said. “Investigation is ongoing at this point.”

Lt Kalamaras said there had been an outpouring of concern from the community, but he urged patience.

“While we appreciate the public outcry for not only the animals, but those who are involved, we’d like to ensure that our investigation is complete and factual before bringing it before a judge for an arrest warrant,” Kalamaras told GFP.

On Sunday night Chris Antolini, vice president of Bully Breed Rescue posted a statement on Facebook saying she and leaders of her organization had recognized the address where the deceased dogs were found and were both surprised and saddened to learn all five dogs on Prince Street were dogs of Bully Breed Rescue that were being cared for by the resident, but their understanding was that four dogs had been sent to a sanctuary and the fifth was in a foster home.

Antolini said her organization immediately began cooperating with Fairfield Police and detectives.

“We, like everyone in this community, share in your grief and shock. Our focus now is continuing to ensure the safety and health of the dogs in our rescue and protecting all of the volunteers and adopters who graciously donated their time to a cause we all believe in,” Antolini added.

The statement asked everyone concerned to respect the process and allow detectives to do their jobs.

According to the State statutes on animal cruelty in Connecticut, CGS 53-247(b), anyone maliciously and intentionally maiming, mutilating, torturing, wounding, or killing an animal is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, up to five years imprisonment, or both. Additionally, first offenses are considered a class D felony. Anyone committing additional offenses will be charged with a class C felony.

A post on the Fairfield Police Facebook page over the weekend said, “It is just as prudent for us to protect the innocent as it is to prosecute the guilty. If and when the investigation reveals enough evidence to warrant an arrest, an arrest warrant affidavit will be made and after it being signed, by a judge the responsible party will be charged accordingly.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the detective bureau at (203) 254-4840 or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (274637).