Suspect Identified After Dog Found Dead In Bag In Derby: UPDATE

DERBY, CT — A suspect has been identified and located in a case involving a dog found dead in a duffle bag next to a building in Derby, police announced Monday afternoon.

In an update posted to Facebook, police said the suspect has provided a confession and detectives are continuing to gather additional evidence.

A warrant for the suspect's arrest will be pursued, police noted.

In a Facebook post Saturday afternoon, Shelton Animal Control said the unneutered male pit bull, Frenchie and Boston terrier mix was found dead in a men's black suit duffle-type bag beside a building on 6th Street in Derby.

The dog was described by animal control as medium-sized and mainly tan with white patches on his body and face.

The animal was last seen wearing a nylon black collar with a piece of zip tie connected to it, according to animal control.

Police said in a news release the animal was found by a passerby Saturday around 2 p.m. on a sidewalk against a building near Elizabeth Street.

The initial investigation determined the dog had been left there Friday, police said.

Police also noted the dog appeared to be emaciated and did not have any identification on it.

Shelton Animal Control took custody of the animal, according to police.

Anyone with information is asked to send tips, which can remain anonymous, to Shelton Animal Control at 203-924-2501 or to the Derby Police Department at 203-735-7811.

In a news release Monday, Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates announced a $5,000 reward "for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the individual(s) responsible" for the death of the dog found in Derby.

In addition to the reward, which is valid for 90 days, Desmond's Army is covering the costs of a full necropsy at the University of Connecticut to provide critical insights into the cause of death and support the ongoing probe, the Winsted-based organization announced.

The organization also noted Derby police are leading the investigation with assistance from Shelton Animal Control.

"This horrific discovery underscores the urgent need for swift justice in cases of animal abuse," Zilla Cannamela, president and co-founder of Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates, said in a news release. "We are outraged by this senseless act of cruelty and are offering this reward and necropsy payment to ensure accountability. No animal should suffer in silence, and Desmond's Army will continue 'speaking for the voiceless.'"