3 Arrested In Animal Hoarding Case In Cheshire: Police

CHESHIRE, CT — Three people have been arrested in connection with an animal hoarding case in Cheshire, according to police.

Cheshire Municipal Animal Control Officers launched an investigation on June 17 into an animal hoarding / cruelty complaint at a residence on Cook Hill Road, according to Lt. Jeffrey Sutherland.

Sutherland said the complaint involved claims that “numerous cats (and possibly other animals) were inside this residence and suffering from poor living conditions, grooming and hygiene.”

“After several unsuccessful attempts to contact these residents and inspect the living conditions of the animals, the case was turned over to Cheshire Police Detectives for further investigation,” Sutherland wrote in a news release. “During their investigation, while receiving limited cooperation from the suspected residents, Cheshire Police Detectives established probable cause for a search of the residence.”

Detectives, working with the assistance of “several municipal animal control agencies, local and state health departments, and the Cheshire Fire Department,” executed a search-and-seizure warrant on the home in the 700 block of Cook Hill Road, according to Sutherland.

Sutherland said 18 cats, one dog, and several other related items were seized from the home after the search.

Upon further investigation, and “after providing necessary care for the seized animals,” Sutherland said arrest warrants were obtained for the three residents of the home.

All three residents turned themselves in on Sept. 10, according to Sutherland.

Jennifer Guest, 42, was arrested on 19 counts of animal cruelty.

Nancy Guest, 71, was arrested on 19 counts of animal cruelty.

Philip Guest, 74, was arrested on 19 counts of animal cruelty.

All three were released on court-set bond, and are scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court, according to Sutherland.