CARIBOU, Maine — Police have arrested a suspect in connection with two malnourished dogs found Tuesday in Caribou.
Presque Isle resident Natanya Pictou found the likely black lab mixes on Doyle Road. She stayed with them outside her vehicle until a Caribou police officer arrived and brought them to the Central Aroostook Humane Society, located in Presque Isle.
Shortly after, police arrested a person they believe is the dogs’ owner, said Police Chief Michael Gahagan.
Gahagan did not release the suspect’s name or potential charges because police are still investigating.
Both dogs were “very skinny” and appeared malnourished when they arrived at the station, Sgt. Keith Ouellette said. One had exposed ribs and a tumor growing on one of its legs.
Officials with the Central Aroostook Humane Society were not available Wednesday.
This is the second instance of animal neglect Caribou police have investigated in the last two months.
In November, police arrested Matthew Guzman, 31, of Caribou after a likely pitbull mix was found locked inside a closet of a home that was being renovated.
Guzman, the dog’s owner, now faces charges of animal cruelty, a misdemeanor for which he could receive up to 364 days in prison, a fine of no less than $500, and be banned from possessing animals in the future.
Gahagan urged the public to notify law enforcement when they suspect an animal is lost, abandoned or being neglected.
Caribou Police Department can be reached at (207) 493-3301.
Pictou set up a Go Fund Me page for the dogs’ medical treatment.
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated Pictou’s residency and where the dogs were taken when found.
