Emaciated Pit Bull Covered In Blood From Flea Bites Found Abandoned; Owner Charged: Cops

The owner of a Connecticut pit bull who was left to starve and was suffering from a "massive" flea infestation in Fairfield County has been charged, authorities announced.

Darryl Hinton and Ember shortly after being rescued in August.
Photo Credit: *Stratford Police Department*

Josh Lanier

10/30/2024 4:00 p.m.

Darryl Hinton, age 36, of New Haven, turned himself over to police on Monday, Oct. 28, and was charged with animal cruelty, Stratford Police said. He was released after posting a $100 bail, authorities said.

Hinton's dog was found abandoned in the 300 block of Access Road in Stratford on Aug. 4, said Stratford Animal Control Officers. The animal was severely malnourished and covered in its own blood from flea bites.

The dog was so thin that rescuers could see its ribs and nearly all of its bones through the skin.

Animal control officers named the dog Ember.

Stratford Police linked Hinton to Ember and issued a warrant for his arrest on Sept. 18. He turned himself over to authorities this week.

A call to Stratford Animal Control seeking an update on Ember's condition was not immediately returned. This story will be updated once authorities return our message.

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