Woman Accused Of Dog Neglect Charged With Animal Cruelty: Naugatuck PD

NAUGATUCK, CT — A Naugatuck woman was charged with animal cruelty Sunday night after her dog was found to be "suffering from serious neglect," according to police.

In a news release, police said officers responded to a noise complaint regarding a barking dog on Carroll Street around 6 p.m.

Neighbors told officers the homeowner, who was identified as Jolissa Nozier, had been absent for approximately 24 hours, according to police. Her age was not provided.

Officers were able to contact Nozier by phone, and she returned later that evening to meet with police and check on the dog. She also confirmed the dog was hers and that she had owned the animal since he was a puppy, according to police.

After assessing the dog's condition and the state of the home, officers requested after hours assistance from animal control, police said.

The dog was safely surrendered to animal control and immediately taken to VCA Shoreline Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Shelton for treatment, where he was "found to be suffering from serious neglect," according to police.

Nozier was charged with animal cruelty and is scheduled to appear in court next month, police said.

The dog, a poodle, has since been released from VCA and is now under the care of Poodle Rescue Connecticut, Inc. Photos of the dog's condition can be viewed on their Facebook page. (Warning: the images may be disturbing to some viewers.)

"We commend the quick actions of our officers, animal control, and the community for ensuring the dog received the care he needed," police said in a news release.