Dog Abandoned In Enfield Ravine Put Down

ENFIELD, CT — A German shepherd found crated at the bottom of a ravine in Enfield last month was determined to be overly aggressive and had to be put down, police reported Monday.

On Sept. 14, the abandoned dog was located by police and taken to a veterinarian, where a health and behavior assessment was conducted. Upon examination, it was determined the dog was overly aggressive and beyond the tolerance level that was considered acceptable for a potential adoption. Per state law, when a licensed veterinarian determines a dog is injured or diseased and unlikely to recover, the animal is to be humanely euthanized, police said.

"The significance of this event is not lost on us," police wrote on the department's Facebook page. "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. 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."

Police are still actively investigating the case; anyone with information is asked to contact the Enfield Police Department at 860-763-6400.