Middlesex County resident Jean E. Jameson of the town of Deep River was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 25.
According to Connecticut State Police, in 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 a woman at the home who identified herself as the homeowner. She told officers she bred dogs and held a kennel license, state police said.
It was later confirmed that the homeowner, identified as Jameson, held and maintained three kennel licenses, permitting her to house up to 30 adult dogs, police said.
From September 2023 through January 2024, Animal Control officers made multiple attempts to perform a required kennel check at the residence, but Jameson repeatedly refused.
On Wednesday, Jan. 3, the 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 Jameson had arrived at the hospital with severe medical conditions which resulted in euthanasia.
State Police said on Wednesday, Jan. 10 based upon information obtained at the veterinary hospital, Animal Control officers and Deep River Police arrived at the home to inspect the kennel.
During the inspection, unsanitary conditions were found within the residence, such as dirt, trash, urine, and fecal matter, police said.
Investigators determined that the home was unsuitable for the housing of animals, police said. It was also found that there was not adequate food or water available for the dogs.
On Thursday, Jan. 25, State Police and Animal Control served a search warrant at the home and seized 43 dogs, 3 hens, and a rooster, and an additional 8 hens, state police said.
Jameson was issued a summons charging her with 55 counts of cruelty to animals and was released on a promise to appear on the condition she does not possess any animal.
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