Derby dog pound's treatment of pit bull investigated by Connecticut Department of Agriculture

Woodbridge Animal Control officer Karen Lombardi and Oliver. Bridget Albert/Register

By Bridget Albert
Register Staff
balbert@newhavenregister.com / Twitter: @nhrbalbert

DERBY — The state Department of Agriculture is now investigating allegations a pit bull dog was neglected at the Derby Animal Shelter, officials said.
The first veterinarian, T. C. Nanavati at Ansonia Animal Hospital in Seymour, who examined Oliver, a 2 to 4-year-old dog, said the animal had been neglected at the shelter. Six pit bulls and pit bull mixes were relocated last week from Derby to the Woodbridge Animal Control facility.
Police, along with the Department of Agriculture, sought a second opinion, which is pending.
Animal Control Officer Joe Klapcik abruptly resigned last week, leaving the Derby Animal Control facility to be operated with mutual aid from Oxford and Woodbridge animal control.
Mayor Anthony Staffieri said while Oxford Animal Control was overseeing the shelter the officer took Oliver to Nanavati because of wounds on his body.
However, Stafferi said “The state (Agriculture Department) came in and said there were no problems (at the shelter).”
Ray Connors, state animal control supervisor, confirmed the state agency was involved in the case.
“We are working with the Derby Police Department in any way we can to help,” Connors said.


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