Two Abandoned Dogs Found Dead Behind Stop & Shop in Manchester; $5K Reward Issued

DISCLAIMER: Pictures show deceased dogs

MANCHESTER, CT – Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates is deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic discovery of two deceased pitbull-mix dogs in the woods near the Stop & Shop plaza on Broad Street in Manchester, CT, on January 3, 2026. 

This incident marks yet another heartbreaking case of animal abandonment as 2026 begins, following reports of kittens abandoned in a Walmart bathroom in Shelton, CT. 

Desmond's Army emphasizes that animal abandonment is unequivocally animal cruelty, as it exposes vulnerable animals to harsh elements, starvation, injury, and death—deliberately inflicting suffering and violating their right to humane treatment.

The dogs—a black intact male pitbull and a female brown-brindle and white pitbull—were found huddled together in the snow around 2:30 PM, likely seeking warmth in freezing conditions after being dumped. No human footprints were observed in the fresh snow, indicating they may have wandered to the spot in desperation. Tragically, both animals had already succumbed to the elements by the time they were discovered.

Desmond's Army has issued a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person(s) responsible. Anyone with details about this case is urged to contact Manchester Animal Control at 860-645-5516.

"We are at a loss for words over this senseless act of cruelty, but we MUST continue Speaking for the Voiceless," said Zilla Cannamela, President and Co-Founder of Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates. "As 2026 begins with a series of abandonment cases, including these two dogs and the kittens left to fend for themselves in a Shelton Walmart bathroom, it's a stark reminder that abandonment is not a victimless act—it's animal cruelty in its most callous form."

Desmond's Army calls on the public to share this information widely and remain vigilant against animal cruelty. Abandonment not only endangers animals but perpetuates a cycle of neglect that communities must unite to break through education, advocacy, and enforcement of animal welfare laws.