
'Thunda,' in a photo posted by Derby police.
DERBY — A court granted the City of Derby custody of a dog police say was shot and wounded by his owner.
The move prevents the dog, named “Thunda,” from being reunited with the people police said owned and injured him. The two people arrested have denied harming the dog or owning the animal.
The ownership issue was raised during a civil court hearing on Friday (May 27). One of the alleged owners, Stranja Perrin, invoked her Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate herself under questioning, according to John Marini, who works for the law firm representing the city.
The judge’s ruling on ownership sets up a path for “Thunda” to find a new, permanent home. Derby uses Shelton Animal Control for animal control. The dog is now under Shelton Animal Control supervision.
“Anyone with questions about Thunda’s long-term plans should contact the Shelton Animal Control facility directly at (203) 924‑2501. The Derby Police Department has no influence in Thunda’s adoption or long-term care plans,” Derby police said in a statement Saturday (May 28).
Police have accused Anthony Singletary, 27, and Perrin, 28, of being the dog’s owners — and of shooting the dog for reasons unknown around 2 a.m. Friday, April 1.
According to court documents, Perrin called police to report an injured dog in Coon Hollow Park, a field, picnic grove, and basketball court off Nutmeg Avenue leading from Hawthorne Avenue to the rear of the Derby High School/Middle School campus.
At roughly the same time, police received a 911 call from Hawthorne Avenue from a person reporting the sound of gunfire and a child crying.
Police responded and found the injured dog, named “Thunda,” on the ground in front of a white Hyundai Santa Fe. Singletary, Stranja and their two young children (no ages given) in the vehicle.
Police said they found 10 nine milimeter shell casings on the ground.
Perrin and Singletary denied owning the German Shepherd, according to a police affidavit.
However, several sources told police that the family was recently made homeless and were living out of the vehicle, and that the dog was with them. Police also said Perrin had a pistol license, and that two handguns were found in her possession.
Police said the ammunition for the guns “was consistent with the casings found at the scene.” Derby police, saying probable cause had been established, then charged Singletary and Perrin with a number of crimes.
The kids were sent to other family members, cops said at the time.
Thunda lost a leg due to the gunshots.
Singletary is due in court June 8. Perrin is due in court July 18.