2 Charged After Neglected, Dead Animals Discovered In Sterling: Police

STERLING, CT — Two residents are accused of animal cruelty after police raided their property and found both neglected and deceased animals, according to state police.

Kelly Desnoyers, 56, was charged last week on a warrant with 35 counts of cruelty to animals, while Nicole Desnoyers, 22, was charged with 40 counts.

The two were arrested April 16 following a lengthy investigation by Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments Animal Control.

Officials received a complaint Feb. 13 of a possible animal hoarding situation at the family’s property, a warrant shows.

Investigators went to the property multiple times in February trying to speak to the residents and check on the well-being of any animals, but no one responded, court documents show.

Animal control officials detected a strong smell of urine emanating from the residence, and they heard several dogs inside “whimpering and yelping,” according to police.

Kelly Desnoyers, the property owner, later denied access to the property for an animal welfare check, the warrant shows.

Investigators determined there were no dogs licensed with the town for Desnoyers’ address. Town records show Kelly Desnoyers owns property at 647 Margaret Henry Rd.

A search and seizure warrant was executed at Desnoyers’ property, a single-family, 1,556-square-foot house on four acres, on March 5.

Officials found about 40 animals, including cats and kittens, dogs, rats, guinea pigs, potbellied pigs, a goat, pony, bearded dragon, chicken, rooster and squirrel, court documents show.

According to police, the inside of the house was “not livable,” with feces and debris all over and a strong smell of urine.

“Animals were seen living in deplorable conditions,” the warrant states. “No visible food or water was seen in the home for the animals.”

Officials reported seeing dogs stacked in crates three to four high, with the animals having skin irritation from being in their own waste.

“Deceased guinea pigs and cats were found in the freezer of the home,” the warrant states.

None of the animals had any veterinary records, according to police.

A German Shepherd mix breed had a large open lesion on its back right leg which made it “extremely difficult” for the animal to walk, the warrant states. Several animals were underweight and infested with fleas, according to the warrant.

Both Kelly and Nicole Desnoyers are due to appear in Superior Court in Danielson on April 30.