Connecticut
Cheshire officials speak out amid concerning allegations about animal control
Cheshire officials are speaking out months after concerning allegations about the town’s animal control surfaced.
Cheshire Animal Control has to implement changes after the Connecticut Department of Agriculture noted violations of several statutory and regulatory requirements. That was written in a consent order on Dec. 24.
In a statement released Friday, the Town of Cheshire said two dogs became seriously ill in their care and were humanely euthanized.
In a joint statement, the town council, town manager and police chief said they “deeply appreciate the community’s dedication to animal welfare and share the collective goal of ensuring the highest standards of care for animals in our custody.”
“During the two years the dogs were housed at the town’s facility, we regretfully experienced two instances where individual dogs became seriously ill. In both cases, the dogs were evaluated as soon as symptoms began and were treated in consultation with veterinarians. Dispute receiving appropriate care over multiple weeks, their conditions did not improve, and human euthanasia was deemed the most compassionate course of action,” the statement reads.
The town said they filed a lawsuit against the alleged owners of dozens of dogs that were seized during a serious case of animal abuse.
Town officials took 28 dogs into custody in November 2022, and two of the dogs were pregnant, giving birth to three puppies and bringing the total number of dogs in animal control’s custody to 31.
A settlement was reached in October 2024, and the town said they immediately put the dogs up for adoption.
“Unfortunately, the legal proceedings in Superior Court only concluded last week which limited our ability to share many details about these matters sooner,” the statement reads.
Town officials said the loss of both dogs “revealed a number of areas in our processes, procedures and the maintenance of our facility that required immediately improvement.”
This includes the need for comprehensive intake forms, daily operational checklists and cleaning logs, weekly wellness assessments, flooring replacements and new enclosure fencing, the statement reads.
You can read the full statement below:
DoAg officials previously noted soaking wet floors and dogs in need of grooming, with one of them having obvious hair loss and red skin. Investigators also observed a mouse infestation, an odor of urine and a lot of clutter.
Dog food could be seen on the wet floors, outside of their required storage containers, according to the consent order. It was also noted that there isn’t a set-up quarantine area at the facility, which is required for a facility of its size.
Animals at the dog pound were also placed in cages that were too small, and didn’t meet minimum size requirements, while primary enclosures were cleaned, the order reads.
The shelter has until January 2029 to make necessary upgrades.
An animal advocacy group said they strongly oppose several points in the statement, including the claim that the dogs that were euthanized were evaluated as soon as symptoms appeared.
“We know, without question, that the dogs were neglected. They were not properly cared for, not groomed, and their suffering went unnoticed by the ACO until others intervened. Emails, veterinary records, formal complaints, and witness testimony provided to the Department of Agriculture (DoAg) all contradict the town’s version of events,” Jeen Melendez said in a statement.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Five Connecticut towns will collectively receive $10 million in grants for infrastructure upgrades, according to a Monday announcement by Gov. Ned Lamont.
The Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) is awarding $10.7 million to Coventry, Guilford, Ledyard, Mansfield and Thomaston to modernize and rehabilitate housing for low- and moderate-income residents, the announcement said.
The funds are being released through the DOH’s Community Development Block Grant’s small cities program, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To be eligible, a municipality must have fewer than 50,000 residents.
Cost Breakdown
Coventry: $2 million
Town of Coventry plans to use funds to upgrade, with a focus on making Orchard Hill Estates compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Guilford: $2 million
The Town of Guilford plans to use funds to design and build future affordable housing projects, consisting of up to 16 rental units and 8 homes.
Ledyard: $2 million
The Town of Canton requested funding for the first phase of affordable housing for people in Ledyard and the surrounding area. Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut is in the pre-development phase of the Colby Drive and plans to create 38 units.
Mansfield: $2.2 million
Funding will be used for upgrades to Wright’s Village, including roof replacements and sidewalk repairs.
Thomaston: $2.5 million
Funds will be used to make Green Manor ADA-compliant, including the installation of a new emergency call aid system.
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Connecticut
Florida High School State Bronze Medalist Dajah German Verbals To Connecticut For Fall 2027
Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.
Florida high school state bronze medalist Dajah German has announced her verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of Connecticut beginning in the fall of 2027. She publicized the news on SwimCloud, writing:
I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Connecticut! I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, my family, coaches, teammates, and friends who have pushed me to be my best throughout the years. And a very special thank you to Coach Chris and Coach Nicole for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I’m so excited for what’s ahead. GO HUSKIES!
A rising senior at Fort Lauderdale High School in Florida, German trains year-round with Swim Fort Lauderdale and primarily specializes in the sprint and middle-distance freestyle events.
German has improved each year of her high school career, most recently dropping from 23.78, 51.39, and 1:50.56 in the 50/100/200 free to 23.54, 51.35, and 1:49.69 during the 2025-26 short course season.
German’s top meet of the season was the Florida Senior Championships in March, where she recorded her current PBs in both the 50 and 200 free. She finished second in the 500 free (4:55.94) and 1650 free (17:02.78), third in both the 50 free and 200 free, and fifth in the 100 free (51.43). She set her current 100 free PB at a smaller holiday meet in December. In the 500 free, she clocked a season-best 4:55.21 at the Speedo Cup in January, with her lifetime best of 4:53.19 coming at the 2025 Florida Senior Championships.
German has qualified for the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) State Championships for the past three years, with her top performance coming at the 2025 iteration in November. She placed third in the 50 free (23.96), fifth in the 500 free (5:01.12), and helped Fort Lauderdale to fourth place in both the 200 free relay (24.64 leadoff) and 400 free relay (53.08 anchor).
Top SCY Times:
- 50 Freestyle: 23.54
- 100 Freestyle: 51.35
- 200 Freestyle: 1:49.69
- 500 Freestyle: 4:53.19
A Division I Mid-Major program, Connecticut competes in the Big East, with the women’s team placing second out of seven teams at this past season’s conference championships. German’s current lifetime bests would have placed third in the 200 free, fourth in the 500 free, eighth in the 50 free, and ninth in the 100 free, setting her up as an immediate contributor with two full seasons of training still ahead before her first conference meet.
German joins Anna Mumford, Lyla Devlin, Lena Brown, and Louisa Holda in committing to the Huskies’ class of 2031 so far.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
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