Outrage from the community followed the news of the dead terrier who was found around 10 a.m., Friday, July 5, when the West Haven Police responded to a report of a fire in the Sandy Point Beach parking lot.
The fire was extinguished and the initial investigation found a small dead dog, possibly a 1-year-old dog with cropped ears and a cropped tail was located at the source of the fire, West Haven Police said.
The investigation led to the arrest warrant of Latrice Moody, 35, of West Haven, who is also the owner of the dog, said West Haven Police Sgt. Patrick Buturla.
"Through the investigation, all indications led investigators to believe that the dog, an older Terrier breed was deceased prior to being set on fire," he said.
An analysis of the dog’s body conducted by the University of Connecticut Department of Pathology and Veterinary Science found that the dog had dislocated bones, suffered multiple broken bones and had not eaten for some time.
Moody was located at her residence on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and charged with violation of animal cruelty, breach of peace, illegal dumping and open burning. Moody was processed and held on bond.
A second arrest warrant has been issued for Maurice Jackson, 41, also of West Haven, for his involvement in this incident, Buturla said.
Jackson, who is currently on parole for another crime, has not been located, Buturla said.
Police are asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the West Haven Police Department at 203-937-3900.
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