Connecticut: Animal Control seized more than 40 abused animals from Almost Home animal rescue. Owner Meda Talley demands they be returned

CONNECTICUT -- A lawyer representing the Almost Home animal rescue has sent a letter to the town demanding that more than 40 animals seized last week be returned or the rescue will file suit.

Police seized 20 dogs, 23 cats, a rabbit, hamster and gerbil from the animal rescue, located on East Street, on Dec. 2. After the seizure, Lt. Eric Peterson said police received complaints about living conditions.

 

Attorney Robert Ziegler represents the Almost Home animal rescue and owner, Meda Talley.

The letter, written by Ziegler, asks for “an immediate retraction, return of the animals seized, a copy of all affidavits or statements obtained by the Animal Control Officer in support of the warrant and all photographs taken...”

The letter also alleges the seizure was based on an “inexperienced, uncertified Animal Control Officer who made several malicious...reckless statements,” in order to get a warrant to seize animals.

Town Manager Robert E. Lee said the Animal Control Officer is certified as required by the state and receives the required annual training hours.

Lt. Eric Peterson, Plainville police said the animal control officer found unsanitary conditions, including animals left in cages too long and waste not being cleaned up promptly.

They said the animals were being kept in a two-bay garage, which caused a host of problems.

“Whether the dogs weren’t being taken out enough, they were in their cages for 20 some odd hours a day," said Lt. Eric Peterson, Plainville police. "The cages just weren’t being cleaned in a timely manner and [there were] too many animals in there.”

Police said when they arrived there, they found about 40 total animals, which included cats and dogs, in poor conditions. They saw urine on the floors, no air flow and not enough space for the amount of animals.

They also said the dogs were barely walked and were sometimes kept in their soiled cages for more than 20 hours each day.

Lori Romano, a volunteer for the animal rescue, denied the allegations. Romano said animals were well taken care of and the rescue has veterinary records to prove it.

 

 

Lee said he would like to see the issue resolved amicably.

“Our goals are the same,” he said. “To protect the animals and find a home for them.”

In the letter, Ziegler writes that if his client’s demands are not met within 48 hours he will “commence suit.”

The town received the letter on Dec. 7, so the original deadline was Wednesday. Ziegler said Thursday the deadline was extended until Dec. 16.

“We’re giving the town the opportunity to comply with what we believe to be very reasonable demands,” Zielger said.

The animal control officer verified the accuracy of complaints about the shelter, Lee said.

Lee also said the shelter was being operated in violation of town zoning laws. Planning staff met with the rescue group on Sept. 24 to discuss the violation.

(My Record Journal - Dec 10, 2015)