Dead, Severely Emaciated Dog Dumped Near Wolcott Church

WOLCOTT, CT — The body of an emaciated deceased dog was found near a church property in Wolcott on Friday.

An animal rights organization, Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates, is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of whoever is responsible.

The dog is described as a small, young, female pit mix. The dog is mostly tan in color, with some white fur near the neck and nose. Officials estimate the dog was between one and three years old. She did not have any collar, tags or microchip to help identify her.

Her body was found Jan. 9 near a tree about 10 feet off a popular walking trail near St. Pius X Church/ St. Basil the Great Parish, at 525 Woodtick Rd.

Wolcott police and animal control officials believe the dog was placed at that location after she died somewhere else. There were no external signs of trauma, however the body showed signs of “severe emaciation,” according to Desmond’s Army.

Zilla Cannamela, president and co-founder of Desmond’s Army, called it a “heartbreaking example of prolonged neglect and cruelty.”

Animal control officials named the dog “Winter.”

“Winter was failed in the most unimaginable way, but we are determined to give her the dignity and justice she was denied in life,” Cannamela said. “Every animal deserves compassion and protection — no exceptions. We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.”

The dog’s body was taken to the University of Connecticut’s Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science in Storrs for a full necropsy, which Desmond’s Army will fully fund. This will help establish the timeframe and cause of death.

After the necropsy is complete, officials have asked to have Winter’s body returned for cremation and a respectful memorial, according to Desmond’s Army.

A police investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Wolcott police at 203-879-1414 or Wolcott Animal Control at 203-879-7620.

Visit Desmond’s Army’s Facebook page, which has images of the dog to help with identifying her, HERE. (Warning - Graphic Content)