Printer Friendly Version - North Branford Man Charged in Dog Death Cruelty Incident

Arnaldo Silva, 51, was arrested on a warrant on charges related to Cruelty to Animals and Threatening 2nd degree, after North Branford police responded to an incident at his Northford home on Nov. 13. A two-year old bulldog, deceased, and a bloody kitchen knife in the dog kennel were found by police at the scene. Photo from North Branford Police Department

In the late night of Nov. 13 at approximately 11:21 p.m., the North Branford Police Department (NBPD) responded to an incident that led to the arrest of Arnaldo Silva, a resident of Woodvale Drive in Northford. Silva, 51, faces charges related to Cruelty to Animals and Threatening 2nd degree.

The events unfolded when the North Branford Communications Center received a 911 call for a possible domestic dispute. While enroute to the call the dispatcher updated the officers that a male who resides within the residence, had killed the daughters dog with an unknown weapon at the time of the complaint.

Upon arrival, the responding officers entered the residence and were directed to the location of Silva. The officers observed a blood trail, leading from the living room, down the hallway and into Silva’s bedroom. The officer’s observed Silva’s clothing to be covered in blood and he had a bloody nose. Silva also appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and became immediately uncooperative with the officers. Due to the state of Silva, medical personnel were summoned to the scene and he was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital for medical attention.

The officers completed a sweep of the residence and located the daughter’s two-year old bulldog, deceased, and also located a bloody kitchen knife in the dog kennel. The deceased bulldog was later transported to UCONN Veterinary Medical where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

The scene was processed for evidence, and the officers began to coordinate the investigation of this horrific crime with the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office and East Haven Animal Control, which provides regional services to the Town of North Branford. An arrest warrant for Arnaldo Silva was applied for on Nov. 14 in New Haven Superior court for the highest possible charges.

On Nov. 15, NBPD received a signed arrest warrant for Arnaldo Silva for the violations of Cruelty to Animals and Threatening in the 2nd degree. Silva was taken into custody and and held on bond with a court date of Nov. 16 at 121 Elm Street in New Haven at 9 a.m.

“Incidents like this one remind us of the complex challenges law enforcement officers face every day,” said Deputy Chief James Lovelace. “I commend the swift and decisive action of our officers in ensuring the safety of the victim and apprehending the suspect. Our department remains dedicated to upholding the safety and well-being of our community. We too are appalled and disturbed by this atrocious violent crime, and our heart and deepest sympathy go out to all involved. We are thankful for our first responders, partnerships with the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office and East Haven Animal Control. We look forward to a swift prosecution and conviction of the offender with the full extent of the law.”