WESTBROOK, Conn. (WFSB) – A Westbrook man was placed under arrest for killing his dog on Tuesday.
According to Connecticut State Police, at around 5 p.m. troopers responded to the area of Essex Road for a well-being check after a report from a local veterinary hospital.
The report said 58-year-old Wesley Bassett of Westbrook left a concerning voicemail at the veterinary hospital after hours and made comments about putting his dog down.
Troopers arrived at the home and made contact with one of his family members who told them Bassett lived in a camper behind their home.
Once police made their way to the back of the property they saw Bassett and advised him that they were checking on his dog.
While they were approaching the camper, the Westbrook officer witnessed a large pool of blood.
He also saw a leash and dog collar hanging outside of the camper that also contained blood.
When the officer asked Bassett where his dog was, he said his dog was ill and dying and he did the “humane” thing by putting it down.
Then, police asked if he did this himself and he explained that he could not do it himself but asked someone else to put the dog down.
Bassett then asked officers to follow him to where he left the deceased dog and said that he left the dog in the woods so that coyotes would take the dog’s remains.
Police contacted the Animal Control Officer to respond to the scene.
While investigating the camper and the deceased dog, the officer also consulted with the Department of Agriculture who confirmed that there are no existing laws in the state of Connecticut that let animal owner to euthanize them in this manner.
The ACO officer secured the deceased dog and was transported for a necropsy.
After speaking to Bassett more, he told police that he believed he was doing the right thing for his dog and explained the canine was lame due to a tick-borne illness. But lameness in and of itself is not fatal to animals.
Bassett eventually admitted that he shot his dog and lied because he could not in possession of a firearm.
Officials revealed that he was a convicted felon and was not allowed to possess a firearm.
Bassett was placed in custody and is facing the following charges:
- Illegal discharge of a firearm
- Cruelty to animals
- Criminal possession of a firearm/ammunition
He was then released on a $10,000 bond and is expect to appear at Middletown Superior Court on February 18.
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