Connect with us

Connecticut

Cheshire officials speak out amid concerning allegations about animal control

Published

on

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.”

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Connecticut

State opens investigation into former New Haven police chief amid stolen money allegations

Published

on

State opens investigation into former New Haven police chief amid stolen money allegations


Connecticut State Police and the Chief State’s Attorney have opened an investigation into former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobsen and allegations that he misused public funds.

The City of New Haven reported the allegations to State’s Attorney John Doyle on Monday.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said Monday Jacobson admitted to stealing money from a fund used by the New Haven Police Department to pay for an support its confidential informant program.

Several officers flagged irregularities in the account and notified the three assistant chiefs in the department, according to Elicker. It was then that the assistant chiefs confronted Jacobson on Monday morning.

Advertisement

Elicker said after being confronted, Jacobson admitted to taking the funds. The assistant chiefs then notified Chief Administrative Officer Justin McCarthy, who then notified Elicker.

Jacobson was called in for a meeting with Elicker, where he was to be placed on administrative leave. Elicker said that before the meeting, Jacobson handed in his paperwork to retire, effective immediately.

The mayor was unable to share additional details on how much money was reportedly taken or for how long due to the ongoing investigation.

Assistant Chief David Zannelli has been appointed as the acting police chief.

State police will conduct the investigation and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin has appointed New Britain Judicial District State’s Attorney Christian Watson to oversee the investigation to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Connecticut

Made in Connecticut: Rochambeau Memorial Monument

Published

on

Made in Connecticut: Rochambeau Memorial Monument


This year, the U.S. celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The French were instrumental in our fight for freedom, and their march through Connecticut is being memorialized in a new sculpture. News 12 met with the artist in this week’s Made in Connecticut.



Source link

Continue Reading

Connecticut

Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options

Published

on

Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options


The Greater Danbury area isn’t exactly known as a buffet hotspot, but if you’re willing to venture beyond your zip code, the state delivers some awe-inspiring all-you-can-eat experiences. A recent “Only In Your State” feature crowned one buffet as the best in Connecticut — and that raised a very local question: Do any buffets near Danbury compare?

grow flex”>

The Top 5 Buffets in Connecticut

Topping the statewide list is the Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, celebrated by Only In Your State as Connecticut’s best. This place is the gold standard, known for its huge seafood selection, sushi bar, hibachi grill, and sheer variety. Crab legs, shrimp, steak, noodles — it’s all here, and it’s why people happily drive across the state for it.

Other standout buffets earning consistent praise include Osaka Hibachi Buffet in Stratford, loved for its cleanliness and sushi options, and Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in South Plainfield, which boasts hundreds of rotating items and a popular cook-to-order hibachi station. Rounding out the top five are Imperial China Buffet in Watertown a dependable classic, and Royal Buffet Sushi and Grill in New Milford, which is especially important for Greater Danbury diners.

Advertisement

So… What About Buffets Near Danbury?

Here’s the honest truth: Danbury doesn’t have a Pacific-level buffet. But there are a couple of respectable local options. Grand Century Buffet at 1 Padanaram Road remains the city’s most familiar buffet, offering a wide selection at reasonable prices. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.

Meanwhile, Agogo Asian & Sushi Buffet, 15-19 Backus Ave., has earned strong reviews for quality — especially sushi — even if the buffet itself is smaller than the state’s heavy hitters.


The Bottom Line

If you’re chasing Connecticut’s best buffet, it’s worth the drive. But if you’re staying local, New Milford and Danbury still offer solid options that satisfy the all-you-can-eat craving without a road trip.

7 of the Best Italian Restaurants in Greater Danbury For 2025

7 New Connecticut Restaurants to Get Excited About in 2025

Advertisement





Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending