Suspect Arrested In Norwalk Dog-Throwing Case: Police

NORWALK, CT — A 56-year-old Wilton woman has been arrested in connection with a recent dog-throwing incident in Norwalk, and a court has ordered that animals in her possession be removed from her home, according to Norwalk police.

Helen Skulski, of Vista Road, surrendered to police early Friday and was charged with animal cruelty in connection with the March 9 incident.

The dog, a beagle, suffered superficial scratches and survived the ordeal, but it has now been removed from Skulski's care. Additionally, a cat that had been under her care also has been removed from her home.

Norwalk police began an investigation after a witness reported seeing someone throw a dog out of the passenger side window of a moving vehicle on Connecticut Avenue.

The caller, who blocked traffic with her vehicle to protect the dog, then retrieved it and stayed with it on the side of the road until a police officer and a member of the department's Animal Control Unit arrived. They brought the dog to an animal hospital where it was treated.

"During the investigation, Norwalk Officers were advised by Norwalk States Attorney’s Office
that the beagle must be returned to the owners until evidence of animal cruelty could be
provided," Norwalk police said in a statement. "During this interim, the Norwalk Animal Control Officer and Wilton Animal Control Officer checked the welfare of the beagle at the Wilton home. The beagle was found in good condition."

However, the ongoing investigation later revealed evidence to support animal cruelty, police said, and a warrant was obtained for Skulski's arrest. Additional details of the investigation were not disclosed.

As a result of the warrant, the court also ordered that Skulski was not to be in possession of "dogs or any animals," and the beagle and cat were removed by animal control.

Skulski was held in lieu of bail of $25,000, and she is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.