SEYMOUR – A 50-year-old Seymour man was charged with animal cruelty Nov. 14.
The suspect, Michael J. Franzese, is scheduled to appear in court in Derby on the misdemeanor charge Nov. 24. He is free on a $25,000 bond. He does not have a lawyer listed on the state court database.
Franzese was charged after Woodbridge Animal Control Officer Jess Moffo obtained a warrant for his arrest. Woodbridge Animal Control covers Seymour.
According to the warrant, a person called Moffo Oct. 20 concerned about the condition of a dog on a unit’s balcony at the Balance Rock Apartments off Balance Rock Road. The dog looked malnourished, as evidenced by protruding rib and hip bones, the person allegedly said.
Photos of the dog, a three-year-old female Cane Corso named Ruby, were also sent to Moffo, who decided to go to the Balance Rock Apartments with Seymour Police Officer Tim Martin.
They talked to Franzese and saw the dog in person. The dog looked ill, but approached the police officers wagging her tail and picked up a toy to bring to the strangers, according to the warrant.
Franzese allegedly told police the dog was his and that he had found her new owners twice before, including one owner in Southbury within the last month. Franzese would not supply police with a name, the warrant says.
He allegedly said he visited the dog and noticed it was losing weight before the dog came back into his care. He said he was planning to take the dog to the vet in December, when her annual shots were due, according to the warrant.
Franzese agreed to give Ruby to Woodbridge Animal Control so the dog could receive treatment.
A medical examination showed the dog was about 56 pounds, some 30 pounds underweight.
“She was struggling to survive for a couple days,” Moffo told The Valley Indy.
Ruby’s first weeklong stay at the hospital cost about $9,500, which Moffo said was covered by donations. A second trip cost another $6,800.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to help offset Ruby’s vet bills can call VCA Shoreline in Shelton directly at 203-929-8600 and reference case # 25-157S. More information about Ruby can be found on Woodbridge Regional Animal Control’s Facebook page.
Moffo said Ruby’s health is improving.
“I think she’ll make a full recovery. She’s handling the food we’re giving her now, and she’s on a special diet.”
Moffo said since receiving care, Ruby has gained five pounds and is regularly wagging her tail.
“She’s starting to be a dog again,” Moffo said. “We’re going to find her a home once she’s fully up to par.”