Police charge two men with animal cruelty

A pit bull that had been confined to a cage in the basement of a Plainville home was euthanized Sunday evening after it was gravely injured "in an act of rage," police said. "Baby," a one-year-old dog, had been drilled in the head with a power tool as retaliation for biting a boy, 8, who lives in the home, according to police.

The dog, owned by Enrique Cruz, 27, had escaped from the cage and bitten the boy, who is the son of his brother, Saverino Cruz, 32, all of 346 Farmington Ave., Plainville. Saverino Cruz was babysitting while his brother was working at a Bristol restaurant Sunday afternoon.

Enrique Cruz put the dog back in the pen and took his nephew to the emergency room at Hospital of Central Connecticut at New Britain General, police said. While there, a family member called Saverino Cruz and told him that his son had been bitten and was at the hospital. Police said Saverino Cruz left work, returned home where he took a drill and made several holes in the dog's head. He then went to the hospital to see his son.

Enrique Cruz called police Sunday afternoon to report that his brother had attacked his dog, police said.

Plainville police went to the hospital where they took Saverino Cruz into custody and charged him with cruelty to animals and disorderly conduct. Bail was set at $25,000, which he posted. He is due back in court Jan. 22.

Enrique Cruz took Baby to Farmington Valley Animal Hospital where it was euthanized. He was charged with cruelty to animals, unvaccinated dogs and unlicensed dog, and was released on $10,000 bond. He is also due back in court Jan. 22.

Police Sgt. Charles Smedick said animal control officers took into custody a pit bull puppy also caged at the home. As of Monday, several people had contacted police to adopt the dog.