Dog found with gash in neck, caused by harness Montville, CT (US) Incident Date: Sunday, Oct 31, 2004 County: New London Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: » Roberta Pires » Benjamin Barboza » Charles E. Cane

Case ID: 3457 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in CT (US) Login to Watch this Case

When a garbage man discovered the American Staffordshire Terrier last month, he thought someone had slashed the dog's throat, said Jane Hatch, Montville's animal control officer. But the severe neck injuries -- an 8-inch-long and 1 1/2-inch-deep cut -- was actually caused by a homemade harness attached by a chain to the neck and body, restricting the dog's movement.

Hatch said she thinks the injury was at least 10 days old.

The dog, named Angel, underwent successful surgery Dec. 1 at the Gales Ferry Animal Hospital to remove the collar and to treat the infected neck.

An investigation by Montville police resulted in the arrest of three Uncasville residents. Roberta Pires, 46, Benjamin Barboza, 22 and Charles E. Cane, 44, all of 16 Driscoll Drive were charged with cruelty to animals. They are slated to appear in Norwich Superior Court Jan. 2.

Hatch was familiar with Angel, having seen the dog at the pound at least a dozen times, after she was picked up as a wandering animal.

Full of energy and begging for treats, Angel is now almost completely recovered, receiving obedience lessons to correct her "bad habits," Hatch said. She will await the result of a court proceeding before putting the dog up for adoption. Angel is now in protective custody.

"I'm just hoping to get the word out that this will not be taken lightly. There's no need for this," Hatch said. "She's such a cute little girl. She needs to be put with a family that will care for her."

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