Rubber band wrapped around dog's neck Plainville, CT (US)Incident Date: Saturday, Sep 24, 2005 County: Hartford
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: David C. Matthews
Police received a complaint Sept. 24 from Christopher Stuart about the treatment of the two dogs. Stuart was seeking to adopt them, according to Plainville Animal Control officer Gabriele Paciotti.
The complaint led to the Oct. 8 arrest of David C. Matthews, 37, of 221 West Main St. for cruelty to animals.
Stuart was looking to adopt a lab and was given Matthews' phone number. After making arrangements to go see the dogs, Matthews called Stuart, saying he had already given the dogs away.
Several days later, Stuart received a phone call from Matthews' girlfriend, who according to Stuart, was crying and said the dogs needed help.
When Stuart arrived at Matthews' home, the first thing he noticed was that one of the dogs, a 3-4-year-old yellow female named Ginger, had a gaping wound on her throat, which was oozing puss.
"That dog needed immediate attention," Stuart said. "You could spread the wound wide open over that dog's neck."
The wound was caused by an elastic band that was wrapped around Ginger's neck.
Both Ginger and Casey, a 12-year-old chocolate-colored male, were kept neglected in a pen outside of Matthews' yard, and both were infested with fleas and had sores from being bitten by flies.
Matthews signed the dogs over to Paciotti Sept. 28 and they were taken to the Old Canal Veterinary Clinic, where they were treated for their wounds, bathed and given antibiotics.
After recovering, the dogs were brought to the Plainville Dog Pound, where they are being cared for by Paciotti and co-worker Marissa D'Amico.
After their traumatizing ordeal, the two labs are recovering nicely. Both appear to be in good spirits and their physical wounds are healing as well.
Paciotti says the two are playmates and that they play ball together in the pound's outdoor pen.
D'Amico said the pound would like to have the dogs adopted together since they have lived together since Ginger was a puppy.
Those seeking more information about adopting Ginger and Casey may contact Plainville Animal Control at (860) 747-1616. References |