‘Lifetime of abuse’ forces CT police to euthanize abandoned dog

Police are looking for the person who left an adult male German shepherd in a crate down an embankment in mid-September. The dog was found suffering from dehydration. After taking the dog to a veterinarian and a review by local animal control and K-9 officers, it was determined that the animal was overly aggressive, likely from a lifetime of abuse, and could not safely be adopted. Officials felt they had no choice but to euthanize the dog less Police are looking for the person who left an adult male German shepherd in a crate down an embankment in mid-September. The dog was found suffering from dehydration. After taking the dog to a veterinarian and ... more Photo: Enfield Police Photo Photo: Enfield Police Photo Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close ‘Lifetime of abuse’ forces CT police to euthanize abandoned dog 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

ENFIELD - Local animal control officers had to make the hard decision to euthanize an abandoned dog that was found in a cage in a ravine in mid-September, according to police.

The dog, which appeared to be a German shepard, drew the attention of people from around the world who offered money and kind thoughts for the animal which had been left to die, police said in a Facebook post.

But after taking the dog to a veterinarian and a review by local animal control and K-9 officers it was determined that the animal was overly aggressive, likely from a lifetime of abuse, and could not safely be adopted.

Officials felt they had no choice but to euthanize the dog while continuing to look for the person who abandoned the animal, police said.

"Most of us are animal lovers and though they’ll never admit it, sick and injured animal calls are among the most difficult calls that we go on," an Enfield police Facebook post said.

"This was a professional decision made on the responsibility not only to our community, but to the animal, who based on his behavior had led a difficult life at the hands of someone who clearly does not share our love of animals."

The case is not closed, but police are having a difficult time finding information that will lead to the dog's owner.

Anyone who has information is asked to call Enfield police at (860) 763-6400.