Dog Found Starving, Emaciated, Locked In Cage In Naugatuck Home's Basement For 24 Hours: Police

A 2-year-old dog rescued over the weekend was found starving and emaciated at a New Haven County home. The poodle's owner now faces an animal cruelty charge, authorities said.

A 2-year-old dog named Rocky was rescued from a New Haven County home on Sunday, Oct. 20. A healthy poodle that age should weigh 50 pounds, Rocky weighed just 21 pounds.
Photo Credit: *Poodle Rescue Connecticut*

Josh Lanier

10/22/2024 1:32 p.m.

Police were called to Jolissa Nozier's Naugatuck home on Sunday evening, Oct. 20, after neighbors complained that her dog had been barking for hours, police said. They told officers that Nozier had been gone for a day. A rescue agency said the animal had been left in a crate in the Carroll Street home's basement since the owner left.

Naugatuck Police took custody of the dog named Rocky and surrendered it to Poodle Rescue Connecticut, who immediately took it to the emergency veterinarian clinic VCA Shoreline in Fairfield County.

The rescue agency said a poodle that age should weigh about 50 pounds. Rocky tipped the scales at just 21 pounds.

Nozier is charged with animal abuse, Naugatuck Police. She's set to appear in court on Nov. 20.

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