Christ Yoder
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David Rivera was charged in May with other crimes against animals.
NAUGATUCK, Conn. — A Naugatuck kennel owner who already faces various charges related to the training facility he owns, was arrested on Saturday for animal abuse.
David Rivera surrendered to police and was charged with maliciously injuring or killing an animal. Police said the charge was part of the initial investigation into Black Rock Canine Training after an additional report of animal abuse was made.
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The dog’s owner told police the dog was injured and abused after being at the Rivera Training Center in 2021.
RELATED: Dog Training Center Manager Killed 10 Dogs, Abused Others: Police
Rivera is due in court on August 25.
Naugatuck police said they are continuing their investigation into the Black Rock Canine Training Center.
At the time of his arrest in May, Rivera was a New Canaan police officer. He was charged with conspiracy to commit acts of animal cruelty, first degree reckless endangerment and conspiracy to commit euthanasia of a dog. Meanwhile, Daniel Luna, 38, the facility’s general manager, was charged with four counts of animal cruelty, four counts of conspiracy to commit acts of animal cruelty, first degree reckless danger, four counts of unlawful euthanasia of a canine, four counts of conspiracy to commit euthanasia of a dog and third degree impersonation.
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David Rivera Sr., 57, was charged with second-degree threats and two counts of breach of the peace after police responded to the kennel in May to reports that Rivera was threatening a current and former employee with a knife.
Doug Stewart is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected].
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