$10K reward offered for info on sick, emaciated, elderly male dog found abandoned in Southington

Southington's animal control department said it had to euthanize this cancer-stricken dog that was abandoned in town this week. (Town of Southington)

The Southington Animal Control Department said Thursday it is investigating why a mature, cancer-stricken dog was abandoned in a local park.

PATCH | by Michael Lemanski, Patch Staff |Aug 14, 2025 at 3:15 pm ET

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Local animal control officials on Thursday relayed a stomach-churning story about a dog in its care that had to be euthanized after it was abandoned while suffering from cancer.

According to the Southington Animal Control Department, the dog, named "Trooper Mo" by animal control, was abandoned in Southington Memorial Park.

Desmond’s Army is offering a $10,000 reward (Updated 8/15/25) for information about the older, sweet-natured Pit bull who was found abandoned and alone at Memorial Park, on Woodruff Street, Southington. The reward is for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for abandoning the dog.

"Unfortunately, due to the severity of Trooper Mo's condition, the veterinarian recommended he be humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering. He has now passed away and is resting peacefully," wrote Southington Animal Control on Facebook Thursday afternoon.

Trooper Mo was described as an "older, sweet-natured pit bull who was found abandoned and alone" at Memorial Park, which is located on Woodruff Street.

"It's devastating to learn that poor Trooper Mo is suffering from a large abdominal mass and also many nodules in his intestines of cancer," wrote local animal control officials.

"He was left to fend for himself in his final days, a truly unimaginable act of cruelty."

As a result, Sothington Animal Control is asking for the public's help in finding the person who abandoned Trooper Mo.

"If anyone has any information about who may have abandoned Trooper Mo, please, please come forward. Even the smallest detail could help us understand how this happened and potentially prevent future acts of cruelty," wrote the town.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Southington Animal Control at 860-628-8053 or email the department directly at animalcontrol@southingtonpolice.org.