Waterbury and Wolcott police conducted a joint investigation that charged Dayne Punter on several accounts of animal cruelty.

As far back as January, he was identified as a suspect for leaving a dead dog on a walking trail by Wolcott Police.

The dog appeared to be abused and neglected, kicking off further investigation with the help of Waterbury police.

That investigation led to Punter’s home in Waterburym where there were more instances of animal cruelty.

He was charged with three counts of cruelty to animals, which led to his arrest on Thursday.