DAYNE PUNTER arrested in connection with the discovery of a dead emaciated mother dog

- Connecticut, USA -

⚠️WARNING⚠️The article contains pictures some of you may find distressing⚠️

Following an investigation launched in January this year, on April 22, 2026, the Wolcott Police Department arrested 32-year-old DAYNE PUNTER (pictured).

Police said in a press release that on January 9, 2026, officers responded to a report of a deceased female dog found off a walking trail near the entrance of St. Pius X Church on Woodtick Road.

As stated in the press release, the dog, a small Pitbull mix, between 1 and 3 years old, was “severely emaciated” with each of her ribs clearly visible through her tan and white fur. The furvictim was taken to University of Connecticut for a necropsy.

Shortly after, police learned that a few days prior to the discovery of the deceased dog, on January 6, 2026, two similarly emaciated puppies had been brought to Shoreline Veterinary Hospital in Shelton. Sadly, one of the two puppies had to be euthanized while the other survived.

DNA testing funded by Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates revealed that the deceased dog was the puppies’ mother. Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates refered to the mother dog as Winter. Court documents, however, identified the furvictim as Glo.

From an extensive investigation it emerged that PUNTER had brought the two puppies to Shoreline Veterinary Hospital claiming that he had found them and brought them in for treatment.

Eventually, after being interviewed multiple times, PUNTER admitted that the dogs were his and said that he could not afford the medical treatment. PUNTER also confessed that he had dumped the puppies’ mom in Wolcott.

Meanwhile, results of the necropsies came back and showed “a cylindrical obstruction, resembling a corn cob, as well as a black substance consistent with bedding material”, stated the press release. Police said: “These findings were indicative of pica behavior secondary to starvation”.

PUNTER was arrested at his residence in Waterbury and charged with animal cruelty and illegal dumping. He was processed and held on a $100,000 bond for the Wolcott case.

The Waterbury Police Department arrested PUNTER on an additional warrant and charged him with three counts of animal cruelty, with an additional $100,000 bond.

According to the arrest warrant, Glo had a litter of six puppies. PUNTER kept three of them as well as Glo and gave the other three puppies away.

One of the three puppies also died at PUNTER’s home.

Wolcott Police thanked Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates for funding the necropsies and DNA testing. Police pointed out that this “ … case marks the first time this type of DNA technology has been used in an animal cruelty investigation in Connecticut, and it was critical in linking the animals together.”

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Wolcott Police Department. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

PUNTER’s mugshot shared from the Wolcott Police Department.

Winter’s photos shared from Wolcott Dog Pound.

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