Naugatuck woman faces animal cruelty charges after dog found neglected

NAUGATUCK – A local resident was charged with animal cruelty after police responded to a noise complaint and discovered an abandoned dog on Sunday, Oct. 20.

Around 6 p.m., Naugatuck Police Department officers arrived at a residence on Carroll Street after reports of a barking dog.

Neighbors reported that the owner had not been seen for about 24 hours.

The tenant, identified as Jolissa Nozier, was contacted by phone by officers.

She returned later that evening to speak with officers and to check on the dog, confirming that she was the owner and had had the dog since it was a puppy.

Upon assessing the condition of the dog and the condition of the home, officers called for support outside of animal control hours.

The dog, a poodle named Rocky, was released into their care and immediately taken to VCA Shoreline Veterinary Hospital for treatment.

Rocky was determined to have suffered severe neglect.

As a result of the findings, Nozier was charged with animal cruelty.

He is expected to appear in Superior Court in Waterbury GA4 on November 20.

Rocky has since recovered and is now being cared for by Poodle Rescue Connecticut, Inc.