2 Emaciated Dogs Found Roaming In Naugatuck, 5 More Found At Man's Home: Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — A local man was arrested earlier this month after two emaciated dogs were found roaming in Naugatuck and five more malnourished dogs were later found at his home, according to police.

In a news release, police said Naugatuck Animal Control was called to the area of Morning Dove Road on July 1 after receiving a report of two bulldogs roaming in the area.

According to police, both dogs were found emaciated with multiple wounds and taken to a veterinarian for treatment.

Matthew Harris, 31, of Naugatuck, came to pick up the two dogs from animal control the following day and was told police and animal control would need to perform a welfare check at his home due to the condition of the animals, police said.

According to police, Harris had five additional dogs who were malnourished and had skin infections and old wounds.

Officers searched Harris' home to make sure there were no additional dogs in the house, and none were found, police said.

Harris was arrested and charged with two counts of animal cruelty. He was released on a $50,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in court later this month, according to police.

Harris also has an outstanding arrest warrant for five counts of animal cruelty and one count of risk of injury to a minor, according to police.

The seven dogs were signed over to animal control and are now in need of rescue placement for further rehabilitation and treatment, police said.

Photos of the dogs can be viewed, along with the full news release, on the department's Facebook page.

Anyone with knowledge of a rescue that is able to help with the dogs is asked to contact animal control at 203-729-4324 or email AnimalControl@naugatuckpd.gov.