From the First Selectman's Office-Press Release

SELECTMAN'S OFFICE
174 Main Street
Deep River, Connecticut  06417

Press Release - CT State Police. Troop F,
During the month of 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 which 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 (3) kennel 
licenses, permitting her to house up to thirty (30) adult dogs.

From September 2023 through January 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.

On January 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 which 
resulted in euthanasia.

On January 10, 2024, 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 01/25/2024, State Police and Animal Control served a search warrant at the residence, with 
assistance from the Tri Town Animal Control Officer, 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, 3 hens, and 1 rooster from inside the residence and an 
additional 8 hens from the property on Bushy Hill Road in the town of Deep River.

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

The accused homeowner was issued a misdemeanor summons, charging her with fifty-five (55) counts of
C.G.S. 53-247(a), Cruelty to Animals. She was subsequently released with a promise to appear at 
Middletown Superior Court, on 02/08/2024, and a condition of release that she was to not possess 
animals of any type.

***End of press release***

Note from First Selectman Jones, follows:

Many calls have come in to the town hall expressing concern about the homeowners and the dogs. Thank you so much for reaching out.

However, at this point, this is a criminal case as noted in the police statement above. The dogs are not up for adoption at this time, as the town does not have ownership.

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.  The ACO will continue to take all routine animal related calls as per her job description.  

We currently have 20 dogs at the pound, with an additional mother and her puppies at a private residence. Another 15+ animals are currently being housed with other local animal control officers at their shelters.

As you can imagine, this large influx of dogs has taken its toll on the dog pound supplies. We are in desperate need of the following:

• Small breed dry dog food
• Small breed dry puppy chow
• Wet food such as 'Little Caesar'
• Pee pads (Training pads for dogs)
• Paper Towels
• Clorox wipes
• Dish soap
• Old Bath towels
• Small metal dog dishes (heavy plastic is ok, as long as it's sturdy, so it won't tip over easily)

Please drop donations off at the town hall. 

If you might be interested in adoption, please call my office and speak to Tina (860-526-6020), and she will take your name and contact information. The ACO will reach out to all interested parties, should any dogs become available. Again, at this time, we are not at liberty to discuss any details about the dogs (breed, age, etc.). 

Thank you again for keeping all those involved in this situation in your thoughts with only positive vibes. Remember, spread love not hate.  

Thank you,

Carol