The Waterbury Times|Published Sept 30, 2026

A Waterbury man has been charged with animal cruelty after police say two dogs were found severely malnourished and living in deplorable conditions at a Marley Place residence.

According to the Waterbury Police Department, officers responded to a residence on Marley Place at approximately 2:20 a.m. on September 30, 2026, following a report of two neglected animals.

Officers made contact with the dogs’ owner, Isaiah Ortiz, 23, of Waterbury.

Police said the two dogs — a pit bull mix and a husky mix — showed signs of severe malnutrition. Both animals were described as emaciated and were being kept in poor living conditions.

Waterbury Animal Control Officers took custody of the dogs, which remain in their care while receiving treatment.

Ortiz was taken into custody and charged with:

• Two counts of Cruelty to Animals

Police said Ortiz posted bond and is scheduled to appear for arraignment on October 6, 2026, at 9 a.m.

The investigation follows a previous response to the same address on August 28, 2026, when Waterbury Police Patrol Officers and Animal Control Officers conducted a wellness check after a viral video circulated showing Marilyn Valdez, 22, of Waterbury, allegedly abusing the animals.

According to police, during that investigation the dogs appeared to be in good health and showed no signs of abuse or neglect at that time. Valdez was later arrested and charged in connection with that incident.

The Waterbury Police Department stated that it takes all reports of animal cruelty seriously and will continue investigating allegations of animal abuse and pursuing criminal charges when warranted.

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