Naugatuck Woman Accused Of Cruelty To Animals

NAUGATUCK, CT — A 35-year-old Naugatuck woman was arrested on a warrant by Naugatuck police this week, charging her with five counts of cruelty to animals after authorities said she sold malnourished pit bulls.

Deja Rowe turned herself in to police Wednesday, and was released after posting bond on bail of $10,000. She is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on April 6.

According to police, the investigation of Rowe began from a complaint made to the department's Animal Control division in late February.

"The initial investigation indicated that Ms. Rowe had obtained ownership of a pregnant female pit-bull and had sold a majority of the puppies," police said in a statement. "One of the adopters of the puppies reported concern over the health of these puppies after the puppy she adopted died. The same adopter then adopted another 2 puppies, male and female, of this same litter from Ms. Rowe to replace the one that had passed away. The adopter again noted the female puppy in this instance also appeared to be malnourished and was covered in ulcers. The adopter reported this to Naugatuck Animal Control."

Naugatuck police then discovered that there were additional dogs in Rowe's home "in a state of poor physical health and deplorable conditions." As a result, Naugatuck police confiscated the mother dog, and one puppy, which were located "in less than optimal conditions, covered in their own filth and open ulcers, and emaciated."

After police seized the two dogs, both required immediate medical treatment at a 24-hour animal clinic, and at the same time, police found and removed a dead ball python from in a terrarium in the home.

The four surviving dogs involved in this incident, the mother dog and her three puppies, remain under the care of Naugatuck Animal Control, police said.

"It is our hope that they will continue their recovery and as a result be able to find their forever homes," police said. "The Naugatuck Police Department reminds our citizens that we will enforce laws that serve and protect all members of our community, including the four legged ones, and we are proud of the commitment of the Naugatuck Animal Control and of our officers who go above and beyond in their mission to do so."