A New Haven man is facing an animal cruelty charge after a dog that he allegedly abandoned attacked an animal control officer in Bethany, police said.
Woodbridge Regional Animal Control officers responded to the area of Carriage Drive in Bethany around 8 a.m. on June 20 on the report of a German Shepherd that was possibly injured, according to the Woodbridge Police Department.
An animal control officer said she attempted to secure the dog when he reportedly “lunged” at her, knocking her to the ground, police said.
According to police, her head struck the driveway as the dog bit her several times in the wrist and forearm.
The animal control officer promptly requested assistance from Woodbridge police, Connecticut State Police and Bethany EMS who helped gain control of the dog, police said.
The animal control officer was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for medical treatment, according to police.
Woodbridge Det. Michael Luzzi, with the assistance of animal control personnel, conducted an investigation in an attempt to find the dog’s owner.
Police said the investigation revealed that Curtis Torres, 29, allegedly drove his German Shepherd to Bethany and abandoned him. An arrest warrant was submitted and approved by the court.
On Thursday, Woodbridge officers arrested Torres and charged him with cruelty to animals. He was released after posting a $500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court in New Haven on Sept. 12, according to police.

