A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the individual who abandoned the dog on Saturday, Dec. 13.

West Hartford Animal Control is looking for any information about the abandonment of a brown and white pit bull on Dec. 13 at the dog park on Mayflower Street. Courtesy of West Hartford Animal Control

By Ronni Newton

One of the dogs currently in custody of West Hartford Animal Control didn’t accidentally escape a fenced yard, push open an unsecured door, or bolt after a squirrel while on a walk with its owner – it was purposely abandoned.

Animal Control Supervisor Kim Gulino said that on Saturday, Dec. 13, around 1:15 p.m., someone pulled into the parking lot at the West Hartford Dog Park at 100 Mayflower Street, “dumped the dog and drove away.”

Gulino said that two people who were at the park with their own dogs witnessed the incident, and were able to corral the brown and white male pitbull into the the fenced area for smaller dogs and call police.

According to Gulino, the person who abandoned the dog was described as female, white, roughly 5-feet 4-inches tall, and was driving a dark sedan.

The West Hartford Animal Control Facebook page often features amusing and creative back-stories of dogs they take into custody – written from the perspective of the dog – and in this case the post was also heartbreaking.

“I went to the dog park with someone I thought was my person . When the car stopped, a door opened… and I was let out. Then the car drove away without me . I waited, but they didn’t come back. I didn’t understand what I did wrong.

“I was scared and very confused , but some kind humans and their pups saw me and stayed with me. They gently helped me into the small dog area and made sure I was safe until Animal Controllers arrived . Because of them, I wasn’t alone.

“I’m a really good boy . I love people, I try my best, and I just want to be loved and kept safe . The Animal Controller that came said I don’t have a chip…not sure what that means, sounds like I am missing a lot including my family .”

As the post goes on to say, the dog is very sweet. “He’s just a doll,” said Gulino of the dog they have dubbed “Sammy.”

She said Sammy is very healthy and muscular, and knows basic commands. Clearly he was cared for, Gulino said.

“It’s unlawful to abandon a dog,” said Gulino. It’s not just cruel and heartless, but it’s an arrestable offense, subject to felony charges. “The Town of West Hartford maintains zero tolerance for this behavior. Individuals responsible will be identified and subject to all applicable legal consequences,” states the post on the Animal Control page.

Desmond’s Army, a local animal welfare nonprofit, has stepped in and is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual who abandoned the dog.

They’ve been checking surveillance images and following up with anyone who may have been a witness. Gulino is hopeful the individual will be found and asked anyone with information to either call Animal Control at 860-570-8818 or email [email protected].

As required by the state, Sammy is now on a seven-day hold, but after that will be adoptable subject to identification of his owners. There are currently six dogs in custody at West Hartford Animal Control, all pitbulls, Gulino said, and all receive a behavioral assessment.

In the meantime, the dog is warm, safe, and being cared for, Gulino said, “We’re giving him lots of love.”

West Hartford Animal Control is looking for any information about the abandonment of a brown and white pit bull on Dec. 13 at the dog park on Mayflower Street. Courtesy of West Hartford Animal Control

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