HEBRON, Conn. — Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is seeking state custody of 70 animals, all of which were seized from CT Pregnant Dog and Cat Rescue in Hebron on March 25 due to overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
The animals include 33 dogs, 28 cats, five ducks, three goats and a pony.
“No animal should ever suffer like this. The dogs, cats, ducks, goat, parakeet and pony seized from this farm were kept in deplorable and inhumane conditions. We demand the permanent custody by the State of these animals for us ensure they receive the appropriate care and attention they need and deserve,” Attorney General Tong said.
Police said 59-year-old Joann Connelly owned and operated CT Pregnant Dog and Cat Rescue, a licensed animal importer. Connelly received three misdemeanor charges for his alleged involvement in the animal cruelty case and his accusation of leaving animals locked in cages in their own filth.
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According to officials, an inspection in February 2020 showed that only five dogs appeared healthy. In February 2021, complaints began and continued to come to investigators regarding animals in Connelly’s care. Negligence allegations have also been reported.
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On March 23, an investigator from the Ministry of Children and Families visited the home. Accompanied by a Hebron animal control officer and a state animal control officer, officers found the property to be in “poor” condition.
Inside the home, officers said the floors were covered in urine and feces, loose dog food, newspaper clippings, and the cats and dogs were in filthy cages.
Animal control officers also said they found a stable on the property with a pony, goats and ducks, which contained an accumulation of feces and hay debris.
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All the animals were seized by the authorities and placed under veterinary care. The animals were in varying conditions, some had missing hair, skin issues and minor injuries. Animals are held in various animal control facilities.
Tong’s petition also seeks to compel the owner of the animal shelter, who has been charged by state police with animal cruelty, to identify all animals in their possession who are greeted with members of the public through from CT Pregnant Dog and Cat Rescue.
Jareliz Diaz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jdiaz@fox61.com
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