Man leaves three dogs in locked car; charged with cruelty, interfering

George R. Lovas, 59, of Willowbrook Lane was charged with three counts of cruelty to animals and interfering with an officer May 28 at 10:13 a.m. after he reportedly left his three dogs in his car on Elm Street.

Police received a call from an 18-year-old female about three dogs left unattended in a car on Elm Street. She told police the dogs appeared to be in distress and the windows were not open. At the time of her call, police said the dogs were in the Lexus SUV for about 30 minutes. When the officer arrived at the scene, a crowd of concerned New Canaanites had formed around the car. The officer spent 10 to 15 minutes trying to unlock the car before successfully getting the dogs out. People in the crowd had bowls of water ready for the dogs. The dogs, who were in the car for 45 minutes, seemed fine after drinking water, police said.

After the dogs were let out, Lovas came back to the scene. When the officer told him how long the dogs were in the car and what happened, he denied they were left for 45 minutes and claimed he was only gone five minutes, police said. The officer then asked Lovas for his license but he refused to comply after being asked repeatedly. The officer attempted to place Lovas under arrest for interfering with an officer and he struggled while he was being handcuffed. Police said, as a result of Lovas' struggle, the officer slightly injured his back, knee and wrist.

Police charged Lovas with three counts of cruelty to animals and interfering with a police officer. He posted a $5,000 bond and will appear in court June 11.

-- Paresh Jha