Animal cruelty charges against Bridgeport man

DERBY, Conn. (AP) — A Bridgeport man is facing a charge of cruelty to animals for allegedly kicking, pummeling and repeatedly slamming a one-year-old Jack Russell terrier to the ground.

The New Haven Register reported Saturday that 32-year-old Alexander Rosario was charged after police responded to 911 calls reporting a man allegedly trying to toss an animal or human off the Hawkins Street bridge spanning Rt. 8.

Police say officers found the dog named Jax suspended on a 12-foot fence with its leash and collar caught on the fence. They removed the dog from the fence and charged Rosario with cruelty to animal. He was released on a promise to appear in court July 30.

Woodbridge Animal Control officers say Rosario signed over the dog to them. He can now be adopted through the agency.