Joseph Ouimet, 41, served Wolcott as its animal control officer for 22 years before resigning in July amid allegations that he abused animals that were in his care.
Wolcott Police Chief Edward Stephens installed a hidden camera in the kennel area of the Wolcott Dog Pound in May after receiving complaints about the conditions at the facility.
An arrest warrant shows that Ouimet stepped down after Stephens showed him videos of "intentional abuse of animals at the Wolcott Dog Pound." Ouimet was charged with cruelty to animals on Aug. 23.
According to the arrest warrant, video footage shows Ouimet spraying two dogs with a hose used to clean the pound and repeatedly slamming a kennel door on a dog. Ouimet told police he was "training the dogs," after he was shown the video by police.
Ouimet walked into the courthouse holding a small, white "service" dog that belonged to a friend. The dog accompanied him and several supporters into the courtroom, but the dog stayed with the friend while he faced a judge.
The arraignment hearing was brief and he did not comment during the proceeding. Ouimet, who is represented by attorney William St. John of Middlebury, is due back in court on Oct 17.
(Waterbury Republican American - Sept 13, 2013)
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