​
It's alleged that at least 10 "useless" dogs were shot and killed at Black Rock Canines located in Naugatuck, CT., and many more were abused, tortured, starved, and mistreated in many horrendous ways. One worker said he saw videos taken by another employee showing dogs with blood dripping from their heads, whip marks, scars and burn marks. An employee also told police that dogs were hit with a metal pipe. A worker reported to police that a Dutch Shepherd at the training facility gave birth to puppies who subsequently froze to death because heat was withheld from them. This is just a small example of the horrendous conditions there. There are many reports of customers who brought their dogs there for training only to receive the dogs back with injuries, scars and they stated their dogs were not the same "behavior-wise". 31 dogs were seized.
The Atrocities at Black Rock Canines: The Outcome
A Desmond Law's case
Black Rock Canines in Naugatuck was owned by a New Canaan ex-police officer, David Rivera Jr.
Rivera emerged from lock-up in handcuffs after being held at the Bridgeport Correctional Center since his sentencing the previous week. Despite objections from the defense, victims' impact statements were allowed to be read. K-9 officer Christina Brewerton from Bucks County, PA, spoke about her dog, Zeke, one of the dogs seized from Black Rock. She described the appalling conditions there and mentioned that Zeke had a fear of men. She said Zeke has been "transformed" and is now a different dog. Next was Donna Sabourin from the CT State Police and her sergeant from CSP. Her dog, seized from Black Rock, Sarge, was to be a comfort dog. Unfortunately, because of his treatment at Black Rock, Sarge was unsuitable and disqualified for that job. He now lives with Donna. She also mentioned Sarge's fear of men and how dogs were hurt, tormented, and starved at Black Rock. She said graves were found dug there, and she said Sarge was going to be the next to be killed. She described the condition Sarge was in when she got him. She thanked Atty. Griffin and Desmond's Army for all we did on this case. Next, a statement from Renée DiNino was submitted to the court for the judge to read. Animal Advocate Atty. Griffin spoke. She, among other things, also spoke of the atrocities committed at Black Rock, including the isolation area and the graves that were found and the dogs being hit with metal poles, whipped, and starved.
​
​David Rivera's Plea Agreement
David Rivera Jr. pled guilty, under the Alford Doctrine*, to a Felony Animal Cruelty charge and Reckless Endangerment in Waterbury and to Illegal Possession of Explosives and Illegal Purchasing/Receiving a Long Gun (an AR-15 type Assault weapon) in Bridgeport, both felonies. He was sentenced to a total of 10 years jail, suspended after he serves 2 years in jail and 3 years Conditional Probation. Conditions of Probation are he is to undergo any treatments, counseling, etc. ordered by Probation. He is not to own, possess, etc. any new animals and not engage in training or working with animals. His family has pets; he can live with them when he is released but they are not to get any new pets. If they want to get more pets, they have to file a motion with the court to allow them to do so. That condition extends for the 3 years probation after his release.
By all reports, Daniel Luna, Rivera’s general manager, was allegedly the one responsible for most of, if not all of, the actual killing, torturing, starving, and abuse of the dogs at Black Rock. He was the one who allegedly personally carried out the horrific abuse. We were all hoping that Luna would receive a sentence that befit his crimes; one that would include substantial jail time to serve, as his boss Rivera received. That didn't happen!
​
Daniel Luna's Plea Agreement
Luna was charged with 4 counts of malicious wound/kill animals, conspiracy to commit malicious wound/kill animals and 1 count Identity theft, all class D felonies, and 4 counts of practice veterinary med without license, conspiracy to commit practice veterinary med without license, and 1 count reckless endangerment, all misdemeanors. Luna pled guilty to 2 counts of malicious wound/kill animals, class D felony, and 2 counts of practice veterinary medicine without license. The sentence is 5 years in jail, fully suspended. He is not going to jail and has 3 years conditional probation. The conditions are to comply with any programs or treatments ordered by probation, complete the B.A.R.C. program*, and, in the Judge's words, "not to work with or supervise animals. Luna can't own any new dogs, but he can keep the dog he presently owns and have contact with his girlfriend's dog, but he can't care for her dog.
Animal Advocate Atty. Griffin was allowed to speak and to put on the record that she believes the court should take animal abuse very seriously, that Luna could be capable of hurting someone someday, and that she would like to see jail time for him. The Judge acknowledged Desmond's Army's presence in court and said he appreciates what we do. He also mentioned that he owns a dog and loves animals. He said he knows we probably won't agree with the sentence. He said Luna cooperated in helping get his boss Rivera to plead guilty. He said without Luna's help Rivera might have gone to trial and won because there may not have been enough evidence to convict him. Luna's help was crucial to convicting Rivera. He said without Luna's cooperation, he would have given him a sentence similar to Rivera's.
We feel Luna was offered a very lenient plea offer, which he accepted. The deal is 5 years jail time, fully suspended—he is not going to jail—and 3 years conditional probation. For both Rivera and Luna, the new law that says a convicted Animal Abuser shall not own, possess, care for, etc., any animal for 5 years from the date of conviction, not just during the probation period, was not mentioned in open court. At least Luna and Rivera will have criminal records showing that they are convicted felony animal abusers.
What do you feel about these judgements? Does the punishment fit the crimes? What will you do about it now? Will you contact your Legislators?
​
*Pleading Guilty under the Alford Doctrine means Rivera won't admit guilt to the crime, doesn't agree with all the facts but admits that the prosecution has enough evidence to prove that he is guilty if it went to trial.
**Benchmark Animal Rehabilitative Curriculum (B.A.R.C.) https://barceducation.org/about-barc/