Staff Report

A Deep River woman was charged with 55 counts of cruelty to animals after an inspection of her house revealed unsanitary conditions that were deemed unsuitable for the housing of animals by both police and animal control officials.

According to a press release issued by Troop F of the Connecticut State Police, in April 2023, Tri-Town Regional Animal Control received a complaint of barking dogs at a residence located on Bushy Hill Road in the Town of Deep River. In response, animal control officers met with an adult female at the residence who identified herself as the homeowner. The homeowner advised the officers that she bred dogs at the residence and held a kennel license.

While at the residence, the officers interacted with dogs located in the yard that appeared alert and responsive, but exhibited abnormally oily coats, raising concerns about possible maltreatment.

It was later confirmed that the homeowner at the residence held and maintained three kennel licenses, permitting her to house up to 30 adult dogs.

From Sept. 2023 through Jan. 2024, animal control officers made multiple attempts to perform a required kennel check at the residence, but the homeowner repeatedly refused to allow officers to enter and would not otherwise schedule a time for a kennel check to be conducted. During their communications, the homeowner was advised that assistance was available if there were animals on the premises needing to be adopted or re-homed.

Per the press release, on Jan. 3, 2024, Tri-Town Regional Animal Control was contacted by staff at a veterinary hospital reporting potential animal cruelty. Officers learned that a dog allegedly owned by the

same resident on Bushy Hill Road had arrived at the hospital with severe medical conditions that resulted in euthanasia.

On Jan. 10, based upon information obtained at the veterinary hospital, animal control

officers and Deep River Police arrived at the residence on Bushy Hill Road to conduct an inspection of the kennel. During the inspection, unsanitary conditions were observed within the residence, such as dirt, trash, urine, and fecal matter. Investigators ultimately determined that the residence was unsuitable for the housing of animals. It was also observed that there was not adequate food or water available for the dogs and that some of the dogs had matted, unclean fur.

On Jan. 25, State Police and animal control served a search warrant at the residence with assistance from the Tri-Town Animal Control Officer (ACO), the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, multiple animal control officers from throughout Connecticut, and the Deep River Police. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of 43 dogs, three hens, and one rooster from inside the residence and an additional eight hens from the property on Bushy Hill Road in the Town of Deep River.

All of the animals seized were medically evaluated by a veterinarian and transported to various animal control facilities around the state for continuing care.

The accused homeowner was issued a misdemeanor summons, charging her with 55 counts of cruelty to animals. She was subsequently released with a promise to appear at Middletown Superior Court on Thursday, Feb. 8 and a condition of release that she was to not possess animals of any type.

In the aftermath of this incident, the Deep River First Selectman’s Office issued a press release in which First Selectman Carol Jones made a few statements regarding this matter. Jones said that “many calls have come in to the Town Hall expressing concern about the homeowners and the dogs,” and that she appreciates how people have reached out, but added that “the dogs are not up for adoption at this time” because they are not owned by the town.

“While certainly well intended, please do not visit the dog pound or call the ACO regarding this matter. She is not at liberty to speak about an active case, and no unauthorized persons are allowed with the dogs at this time,” Jones said. “The ACO will continue to take all routine animal related calls, as per her job description.”

Jones said that there are currently 20 dogs at the pound, with an additional mother and her puppies being housed at a private residence. She added that another 15-plus animals are currently being housed with other local animal control officers at their respective shelters.

Jones went on to say that “this influx of dogs has taken its toll on the dog pound supplies,” and that the town was in “desperate need” of several items. The needed items include small breed dry dog food, small breed dry puppy chow, wet food such as Little Caesars, training pads for dogs, paper towels, Clorox wipes, dish soap, old bath towels, and small metal dog dishes. All items can be dropped off at Deep River Town Hall at 174 Main Street.

First Selectman Jones also stated that anyone who is interested in adopting the dogs can call her office at 860-526-6020 and speak to Tina about this matter. Jones said that the ACO will reach out to all interested parties should any of the dogs become available.