New Haven Man Charged With Animal Cruelty In Dog Dumping Case

BRANFORD, CT — A 22-year-old New Haven man has been charged with animal cruelty in the abandonment of the white pit bull known as Lincoln, Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter director Laura Selvaggio Burban said.

When Lincoln was found by a jogger on the morning of Jan. 24 in the street outside the Branford Community House, he was underweight, "cold and was extremely frightened."

Burban said he "displayed with both aggressive and fearful behaviors to arriving animal control officers." She explained that officers set up a dog trap with food, which he went right to. He's since been in the care of the shelter and his plight was followed by thousands on social media.

Burban said Bless Rivera, of New Haven was charged with animal cruelty.

"Through our investigation and with the media’s help, Mr. Rivera confessed," Burban said.

Involved in the case were the Branford Police Department and the state Animal Control Department, and Burban said, "many community members who assisted us and helped with the investigation."

"Our concern is for the safety of both the residents and the animals in the town," Burban said. "Abandoning animals is not only cruel to the animal, but it can also cause public safety concerns."

She advised, "Please contact your local animal shelter or our department if you are finding yourself in a position where you are considering abandoning an animal. If we do not have space, we will offer resource guidance and other assistance."

Lincoln was just adopted and went to his new forever home. Good boy, Lincoln.

Read more about Lincoln:

Lincoln's Life: What A Difference TLC Made For Abandoned Dog

Shelter Opens Investigation On Dog Left To Die On 17-Degree Night

Lincoln Is Happy, Healthy, And Ready To Meet His Forever Family

PETA Offering $5K Reward In Branford 'Dog-Dumping' Case

Grab The Tissues For Happy Tears: Lincoln's In His Forever Home