CANAAN, Conn. — Dan Collins, 52, a former Canaan Selectboard member, and Tracy Packard, 38, were arrested on Friday in connection to the theft of a dog from a property on Goose Pond Road. The incident occurred in early December 2024, and both individuals face felony and misdemeanor charges.
Collins, who owns a painting and contracting business, was arrested on suspicion of felony theft, criminal mischief, and criminal trespassing. Packard, a self-described “digital creator,” was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property and criminal trespassing.
Both suspects voluntarily turned themselves in at the Canaan Police Department after being made aware of the warrants, according to Canaan Police Chief Ryan Porter.
The theft occurred after a series of events beginning with concerns about the welfare of two dogs owned by Sam Buckman, who resides in Lebanon but cares for the dogs on his Canaan property. The Siberian Shepherd and German Drahthaar were reportedly living outside in cold conditions. On Dec. 2, Collins shared a Facebook post about the dogs’ plight, leading to a series of comments that included threats to steal the animals.
Witness statements and video footage helped piece together the incident. Around 8 p.m. on Dec. 2, Packard entered Buckman’s property, fed the dogs treats, and was joined by Collins, who later returned with bolt cutters. According to Packard’s statement, Collins used the cutters to break the dog’s kennel lock and removed the dog, which was later taken to the Canaan Police station by Packard, who falsely claimed it was a stray.
The dog, a Siberian Shepherd named Mud, had a visible injury, and blood was found near the kennel. Packard later admitted to lying about the dog’s origins after Collins instructed her to avoid implicating him.
Police reports also indicated that Collins had been harassing Buckman by calling and trespassing on his property to gather information about the dogs. As a result of his actions, Collins was served with a stalking protection order, and his firearms were seized.
Both Collins and Packard have been released on their own recognizance and are due to appear in Lebanon District Court in March 2025. Buckman expressed gratitude to the Canaan police for their efforts in solving the case but voiced concerns about Mud’s long-term emotional distress caused by the abduction.