NAUGATUCK, Conn. — The former owner of a husky found in Naugatuck in May with part of a metal chain embedded in its neck has been arrested, police announced Wednesday.
Police identified the suspect as 38-year-old Emanual Pizarro-Boria, who turned himself in on an active arrest warrant Tuesday; he faced a judge on Wednesday.
“This doesn’t happen very often that we can bring someone to justice,” said Linda Pleva, vice president of Desmond’s Army, which put up a $1,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Justice was found on May 13 around 1 p.m. when concerned citizens brought the dog to Naugatuck Animal Control. The husky, who was later named Justice, was found roaming alone in the area of Platts Mill Road, according to officials at the time.
Police said that the people who found Justice lured the dog into a vehicle after they found a metal chain embedded into his neck. According to officials, they also noticed his difficulty walking and lack of body weight.
Justice was then brought to the Central Valley Animal Hospital, where he was diagnosed with an abscess wound due to the chain embedded into his skin, a fever, and having "poor body condition" at intake.
Justice was taken into surgery soon after to remove the 28-inch chain from his neck, police said. Specialists at the animal hospital believed nearly 5 ounces of the chain was embedded in Justice's neck for over three weeks.
In a Wednesday press conference, Naugatuck officials said that an animal control officer and a detective followed an anonymous tip received in early June, informing investigators that Justice's owner lived in Waterbury, less than three miles from where Justice was found.
“The dog was living in a shed outside and was tethered via the chain and it had been heard previously yelping and scratching at the walls,” said Sgt. Danielle Durette, Naugatuck Police Department.
Naugatuck investigators worked with Waterbury police and gathered more evidence tying Justice to the property in Waterbury.
Officers then contacted the suspect, who reportedly admitted to using the chain as a "collar" before Justice was "given away to a passerby" sometime in May, according to police.
Pizarro-Boria was held on a $50,000 bond, and it was set to $10,000 after the arraignment. He is also not allowed to own or care for any animal or pet. He is scheduled to be back in court on Oct. 20.
Animal Control Officer Steve Rupsis has been working with Justice on several commands. Now, he’s working to find a foster home for Justice. Police are looking for someone with Husky experience to make sure it’s a good fit because the dog has already been through a lot.
“He’s got that Husky energy. He’s very excited all the time. He’s got good manners,” Durette said.
Those interested in fostering Justice can email naugatuckanimalcontrol@gmail.com.
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
Angelo Bavaro is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at abavaro@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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