MICHAEL J. FRANZESE arrested after a dog was found emaciated and severely malnourished

- Connecticut, USA -

On October 20, 2025, a concerned citizen called Chief Animal Control Officer Jessica Moffo with the Woodbridge Regional Animal Control and alerted her to a case of “possible animal neglect/abuse.”

The caller was concerned about the condition of a dog they saw on a unit’s balcony at the Balance Rock Apartments off Balance Rock Road in Seymour. Additionally, the caller sent Chief ACO Moffo pictures of the dog, a 3-year-old female Cane Corso named Ruby. The caller went on to state that Ruby looked emaciated and severely malnourished and that her spine, hips, and ribs were protruding.

Chief ACO Moffo then responded to the location with Seymour Police Officer Martin and spoke with 50-year-old MICHAEL J. FRANZESE (pictured).

Chief ACO Moffo explained to FRANZESE her concerns about Ruby’s condition and offered to have him voluntarily surrender her so that she could receive immediate veterinary care.

FRANZESE agreed and Ruby was taken to VCA Shoreline Animal Hospital in Shelton “for life saving medical treatment”, said Woodbridge Police Chief Ronald Smith in a press release.

Ruby had to be hospitalized for several days for her treatment. On November 7, 2025, Ruby was re-hospitalized and veterinarians had to pump her stomach to remove multiple foreign objects that she had ingested prior to being in animal control’s care.

On November 14, 2025, FRANZESE was placed under arrest and charged with animal cruelty.

FRANZESE is now free on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in state Superior Court in Derby on November 24, 2025.

Chief Smith said that Ruby’s health is improving.

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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.

Ruby’s pictures shared from Woodbridge Regional Animal Control

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