Woman held after dog found in apartment Winsted, CT

[Rene Allegrini]

This story was in our local paper this morning. It just makes you sick. How could anyone leave an animal without food and water, especially an older one in this heat??? I hope they throw the book at her!

WINSTED: Woman held after dog found in apartment

Thursday, July 12, 2007

BY JIM MOORE


Copyright © 2007 Republican-American Police have charged a Torrington woman with animal cruelty after a female Rottweiler was found locked in a local apartment for several days without food or water.

Amber Lapointe, 18, of 330 Highland Ave., is free on $500 bond and due in Bantam Superior Court on July 23 for arraignment on one count of cruelty to animals. The manager of the Winchester Hotel Apartment building at 5 Elm St. notified police June 22 that Apartment 33 had apparently been vacated by the tenant, who left the dog behind.

Lapointe " hadn't been seen for a number of days, and he (the property manager) knew the dog was inside," said Deputy Chief Robert Scannell. Police obtained a warrant, and arrested Lapointe on Tuesday.

Animal Control Officer Alicia Campbell said Lapointe has signed ownership of the 92-pound female Rottweiler named Leila over to the town. Campbell has notified a regional Rottweiler rescue agency, and will interview anyone interested in adopting the dog, estimated to be about 8-years old.

"Temper-wise she seems OK," Campbell said, adding that she wants to make sure the dog goes to a new owner with Rottweiler savvy. "I definitely want somebody that knows the breed."

The dog will remain time being at the pound in New Hartford where Winsted sends its animals. Campbell will transfer the dog to a no-kill shelter if a new home is not found soon.


Anyone interested in adopting Leila should call local police at 379-2721 and leave a message for Campbell.

Prospective owners will undergo a veterinarian reference check and interview.

"We don't want her to go someplace where she won't be taken care of," Campbell said. "She deserves a good home."

http://www.rep-am.com/story.php?id=27152

[Ayoka]

It IS awful and I wonder how an 18 year old enbds up with an 8 year old dog?

Luckily it sounds like Leila is doing well and has someone looking out for her interests. So many neglected anmilas don't make it.

[hokisteph5]

Only $500 bond?! That'll deter others from doing the same.

[AngelBunny]

About a year ago, I evaled a female Rottie at a shelter who was left behind, locked in the laundry room, when her family moved. A neighbor called the ACO three days after the family moved away becuase the person heard the dog barking in what he knew to be an empty house.

[sweetlee]

There is absolutely NO excuse for this kind of crap. I see it all the time on Animal Planet on those shows. How hard is it to pick up the phone and call the shelter to come and get the dog if you don't want it? Not advocationg this route, but it certainly beats the choice she made concerning her dog. I liken it to having a baby and leaving it outside to freeze or starve to death when in you can call the police to come and get the baby no questions asked. This is absolutely horrible, I wish they would start dishing out stiffer sentences to people that leave their pets to fend for themselves!! GRRRRRRR, it makes me so angry.

Sharon

[observer]

What a sad story. Glad to see that the local AC seems to be doing everything they can for this girl. Was NERR the "regional rescue agency" they notified?

[Rene Allegrini]

Originally Posted by observer

What a sad story. Glad to see that the local AC seems to be doing everything they can for this girl. Was NERR the "regional rescue agency" they notified?

Not sure if Alicia contacted NERR, but she has the information.

[Sam's Mom]

How cruel. Hope the judge makes the punishment fit the crime and throws the book at her.