A dog is now safe after concerned members of the public alerted police to an alleged animal cruelty incident that unfolded in a popular recreational area in Connecticut.

Authorities say 60-year-old Thomas Michel, of Derby, was taken into custody following reports that he had allegedly been mistreating his pet dog on O’Sullivan’s Island.

According to police, several witnesses were deeply concerned by what they saw and attempted to intervene to protect the animal. Officers say those bystanders were allegedly met with threats, prompting an urgent response from law enforcement.

When police arrived, they immediately removed the dog from Michel’s custody and placed it in a safe environment, where it could receive proper care and protection.

During the investigation, officers also reportedly discovered that Michel—who has previous felony convictions involving assault and burglary—was allegedly in possession of handgun ammunition, leading to additional criminal charges.

Michel now faces multiple charges, including:

• Cruelty to Animals
• Criminal Possession of Ammunition
• Threatening in the Second Degree
• Breach of Peaceeglect, or abuse so that they can be promptly investigated.

For many of those who witnessed the incident, the greatest relief came from knowing the dog was finally out of harm’s way.

Animal advocates often say that pets rely entirely on the people who care for them, making acts of compassion from strangers especially meaningful when an animal is unable to protect itself.

Thanks to the quick actions of concerned bystanders and responding officers, this dog is now safe while the legal process moves forward.