Groton Man Arrested In Dog’s Death

Police arrested a Groton man Wednesday in the death of a dog who was found suffering from hypothermia and trauma this winter. The dog, a Beagle named “Buddy”, died Christmas Eve.

Michael Dement, 25, of 74 Locust Circle in Groton, was arrested at 11:23 a.m. on May 9, and charged with cruelty to animals.

He is scheduled to appear in court May 23.

Police began investigating this winter after a “Good Samaritan” saw the dog in the Navy section of town the morning of Dec. 23 and called police., Lt. John Varone said. The dog was not tied up but was lying in someone’s yard, he said.

The low temperature that night was 29 degrees, and a rain and snow mix had fallen overnight. Police found “Buddy” at 9 a.m. and brought him to a local veterinary clinic.

“They attempted to save the dog,” Varone said. “However, the dog succumbed to the injuries that it had.”

The veterinarian determined the dog died of a toxin exposure and/or trauma with a contributing factor of hypothermia.

The investigation by Groton Animal Control and Groton Town Police determined Dement was the dog’s owner.