- Connecticut, USA -
On July 8, 2024, 36-year-old DAVID WILSON RIVERA JR (pictured), former New Canaan police officer and owner of Black Rock Canine, was sentenced in Waterbury Superior Court for his role in the death of many dogs at his business.
It all started in April 2022, when the Naugatuck Police Department was notified by the Department of Agriculture, the Stratford Police Department, the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad, and the State Police Bomb Squad about an investigation into RIVERA as a New Canaan police officer.
Naugatuck Police then began an investigation into Black Rock Canine, a facility on Hunters Mountain Road in Naugatuck aimed at training military and police dogs. The facility was housing thirty-six dogs. In connection with this investigation, Naugatuck Police arrested in May 2022, RIVERA, his father, DAVID RIVERA SR, and general manager 35-year-old DANIEL TAYLOR LUNA (both also pictured).
RIVERA JR and LUNA turned themselves in on May 2, 2022.
LUNA was accused of abusing numerous dogs and puppies, leaving puppies outside in harsh weather elements leading to their death, and shooting dogs who were “useless” to the business.
RIVERA JR. was charged with conspiracy to commit cruelty to animals, reckless endangerment in the first degree, and conspiracy to commit euthanization of a canine.
At that point, RIVERA was already facing explosive charges. He had been arrested after explosives were found at his Stratford home. RIVERA used the explosives in his business training working dogs for various organizations and according to the warrant, he had no permit for the possession of the high explosives and also had an assault weapon.
On May 3, 2022, Naugatuck police executed another search and seizure warrant at Black Rock Canines and removed the thirty-one (31) remaining dogs. The furvictims were placed in the care of different shelters. Officials also discovered the remains of four dogs on the property.
During a press conference, Naugatuck Police Chief Colin McAllister said that several dogs were abused and injured while at Black Rock Canine and that RIVERA and LUNA shot and killed at least ten dogs and buried them on the property.
For his malicious wounding or killing of an animal charge RIVERA was sentenced to five years, suspended after two years with three years of probation to follow.
For the reckless endangerment charge, he was sentenced to 364 days in jail to be served concurrently.
In total, RIVERA will serve three years in jail followed by three years of probation.
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RIVERA’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Connecticut Department of Correction
Sources:
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A truly horrible man. I hope all the innocent souls saved are honestly saved. Not just moved from one horrendous situation to another. All the precious souls murdered by these monsters, may they rest in peace now. They were failed on this earth my many.