A Bridgeport man was charged with animal cruelty after police said he tried to throw a Jack Russell terrier off the Hawkins Street bridge Friday morning.
The suspect, Alexander Rosario, 32, allegedly tried to throw the dog over a chain-link fence into traffic on Route 8 below.
The dog, a male, is OK and is being evaluated at Bethany Veterinary Hospital.
Derby police received several 911 calls at about 9 a.m. from witnesses on Hawkins Street and from motorists on Route 8 saying a man was beating a dog.
“Witnesses said he was kicking the dog, that he slammed it on the ground and that he tried to fling it over the fence,” Derby police Lt. Justin Stanko said.
Police arrived as Rosario was still on the scene.
The dog was dangling off the fence because the animal’s collar was caught on a spike.
“The dog was hung up on the top of the fence when officers arrived with the leash hanging down,” Stanko said.
Police untangled the dog, who belongs to Rosario.
Officers immediately took Rosario into custody. Although Rosario lists his residence as Bridgeport, he was apparently staying with family members on Hawkins Street.
Police said they are not sure what motivated him to injure the animal, but said they had responded to a domestic dispute involving Rosario within the last 24 hours.
At least two eyewitnesses gave statements to police.
The dog was shaking with fear, police Lt. Justin Stanko said.
Rosario’s charge is a misdemeanor. He was released on a promise to appear in Superior Court in Derby on July 30.
The pooch, by the way, is now under the control of Woodbridge animal control, who also cover animal issues in Derby.
Want to adopt the dog?
The Woodbridge animal control facility will start taking written applications to adopt the dog soon — but you must call them at 203 389 5991 before heading to the facility at 135 Bradley Road in Woodbridge to get an application.
