According to officials, State Trooper Donohue responded to an anonymous phone call on Jan. 22, reporting a neglected dog at a home on Governors Hill Road.
The caller told the officer that the German Shepherd is always tied up and left outside, even in extremely cold weather, police said. The caller also said he would hear the dog dropping his food bowl on the ground over and over in the middle of the night.
Police observed the dog was very thin, unkempt and had patchy fur, which are clear signs that it had been neglected. According to the officer, the dog was tied with an approximately 5-foot leash and had no food or water within sight.
Based on the officer’s observations and overall condition of the dog, Trooper Donohue and Oxford Selectman Jeff Haney took the German Shepherd to the Beacon Falls Animal Hospital.
At the hospital, a veterinarian examination determined the dog was clearly suffering from starvation and had been neglected by its owner. Exam results revealed the dog was 20-25 pounds underweight and had various medical issues, including frost-bite on its ears and heart worms.
According to police, further investigation revealed this was an ongoing case of animal cruelty and neglect. Police tracked down the owner, 26-year-old Jonathan Foster. Foster is now facing a number of charges, including cruelty to animals. He is expected to appear in court on Mar. 1.
State Police have handed the dog over to the Town of Oxford. Town officials will take care of the German Shepherd until a responsible pet-owner looking to adopt, gives it a forever home and better future.
(WTNH - Jan 29, 2016)
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