A New Haven man is facing an animal cruelty charge after a six-month-old puppy died from injuries that did not match his account of what happened.
Police reported that on March 25th, 2025, animal control officers were contacted by a local veterinarian about a puppy suspected of abuse or neglect. The puppy, named Bella, was unable to stand, eat, or move when 24-year-old N’Quan Brown brought her in for examination.
Brown told authorities that the puppy was injured when a handheld showerhead fell on her during a bath. He said that when Bella did not act normally, he and his girlfriend took her to an animal hospital for further evaluation.
Trauma veterinarians determined the puppy had severe internal bleeding in her abdomen, a fractured leg, and a ruptured lung. X-rays also revealed chronic rib fractures from previous injuries that appeared to have healed. These findings were inconsistent with Brown’s explanation.
Brown agreed to surrender Bella to the New Haven Police Department animal shelter. Despite medical efforts, the puppy died later that day.
Authorities drafted an arrest warrant for Brown, charging him with animal cruelty resulting in death. He turned himself in on February 24th and was held on a $25,000 bond. Brown is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
