BY ANDREAS YILMA
Citizens News
NAUGATUCK A borough man has received a one-year suspended prison term after he and his roommate’s dogs were found roaming around neglected.
Michael Kostenko, 39, of Hillside Avenue, was sentenced Sept. 9 in Waterbury Superior Court. He faces two years of probation and is required to pay restitution to Naugatuck Animal Control for the veterinary bills incurred for his dog, police said.
Kostenko was arrested Dec. 18, 2023, and charged with cruelty to animals for not providing care for his dog or his roommate’s dog.
“The dogs were left to roam hazardous conditions of a property which resulted in injury to them,” police said.
Kostenko’s dog, a 4-year old male German shepherd, did not have any serious injuries and will be available for adoption shortly with someone who has experience with that breed, Naugatuck animal control officer Steven Rupsis said.
“He’s a good dog and he’s very protective,” Rupsis said. “We’ve got to fit this dog with the right person.”
Kostenko was living with a woman who owned the other dog. She was arrested and her case is pending, Rupsis said.
“The house had glass all over the floor,” Rupsis said. “It was not a good environment for these dogs.”
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