MANCHESTER, CT (WFSB) - Two dogs were found frozen to death in the woods near businesses in Manchester over the weekend, animal advocates said.

Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates said the pit bull mixes were discovered behind the Stop & Shop plaza on Broad Street on Jan. 3.

The organization said the dogs were found huddled together in the snow around 2:30 p.m. Photos were posted to its Facebook page.

WARNING: Graphic content. See the pictures here.

Desmond’s Army described it as a case of animal abandonment.

It pointed out that animal abandonment is considered animal cruelty because it deliberately exposes vulnerable animals to harsh elements, starvation, injury, and death.

However, it said no human footprints were observed in the fresh snow, which indicated that they may have wandered to the spot in desperation.

Desmond’s Army said it issued a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of whoever was responsible.

“We are at a loss for words over this senseless act of cruelty, but we must continue Speaking for the Voiceless,” said Zilla Cannamela, president and co-founder of Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates. “As 2026 begins with a series of abandonment cases, including these two dogs and the kittens left to fend for themselves in a Shelton Walmart bathroom, it’s a stark reminder that abandonment is not a victimless act—it’s animal cruelty in its most callous form.”

Anyone with details about this case is urged to contact Manchester Animal Control at 860-645-5516.

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