Three Arrested In CT Hoarding Case Where Some 200 Cats Were Found, Police Say

Three Connecticut adults were charged with 106 counts of animal cruelty in connection to a cat hoarding incident.

The area of the cat hoarding incident.
Photo Credit: *Photo by Scott Rodgerson on Unsplash and Google Maps street view*

10/28/2022 8:30 a.m.

The incident was discovered in Litchfield County on Monday, June 13 in Winsted. The arrests took place on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

According to Chief William Fitzgerald of the Winchester Police, on June 13, the department received an anonymous phone call about a sick cat at a home on Moore Avenue.

An animal control officer responded to the home and noticed a "strong odor of urine" coming from inside the home, Fitzgerald said.

Numerous cats were seen inside the residence, police added. Fitzgerald said there were more than 200 cats in the home at the time of the complaint, but the department could only prove they owned 106 cats.

At the time of the complaint, police said eight people were living in the home including two juveniles ages 6 and 10, and James Thomen Sr., age 61, Laura Thomen age 53, and Marissa O’Brien age 30.

Officers contacted the state Department of Children and Families concerning the living conditions of the children, who were removed immediately by DCF to other relatives, the chief said.

The Winchester Police Department completed an extensive investigation and obtained arrest warrants for the three adults living at the home. They were all charged with 106 counts of the cruelty of animals and two counts of risk of injury to a minor.

The three are scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday, Nov. 1 in Torrington.

This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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