NAUGATUCK — A local resident was charged with animal cruelty after police responded to a noise complaint and discovered a neglected dog on Sunday, Oct. 20.
At around 6 p.m., Naugatuck Police Department officers arrived at a residence on Carroll Street following reports of a barking dog.
Neighbors reported that the homeowner had not been seen for about 24 hours.
The tenant, identified as Jolissa Nozier, was contacted by phone by the officers.
She returned later in the evening to speak with the officers and to check on the dog, confirming she was the owner and had had the dog since it was a puppy.
Upon evaluating the condition of the dog and the state of the home, officers called for after-hours support from animal control.
The dog, a poodle named Rocky, was surrendered into their care and immediately taken to VCA Shoreline Veterinary Hospital for treatment.
It was determined that Rocky had suffered from severe neglect.
As a result of the findings, Nozier was charged with animal cruelty.
She is expected to appear in GA4 Waterbury Superior Court on Nov. 20.
Rocky has since recovered and is now being cared for by Poodle Rescue Connecticut, Inc.