Waterbury Drug Bust Leads to Discovery of Severely Abused Dogs

Troopers making a drug bust at a home in Waterbury, Conn., on Friday discovered four severely abused dogs chained up in the cold and a fifth dog dead in an abandoned car, according to state police.

State police raided the home at 81 High Street around 11:50 a.m. Friday as part of an ongoing drug investigation. Authorities said it's not the first time illegal drugs have been uncovered in the house.

Investigators found the home in "uninhabitable condition" and discovered four pit bulls tied up outside in the cold. State police said the dogs were malnourished and had no access to food or water.

A fifth dog was found dead in an abandoned car on the property, according to police. A search turned up heroin, cocaine, weapons and a stolen motorcycle.

The dogs' caretaker and a resident of the home, Abel Rodriguez, 47, was arrested and charged with five counts of animal cruelty and possession of narcotics. He was released on bond and is due in court Feb. 25.

Police said the dogs were turned over to animal control.

State Police Statewide Narcotics Detectives continue to investigate and expect to make additional arrests.

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