Cheshire Animal Shelter Cited After State Investigation: Officials

CHESHIRE, CT — The Cheshire Animal Control facility was found to have been in violation of six state regulations and statutes following an investigation, according to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The state animal control initiated an investigation into allegations regarding the conditions and care of animals at the Cheshire facility since 30 dogs were seized in an animal cruelty case around two years ago.

The state Department of Agriculture announced this week that its inspection found that the Cheshire Animal Control facility had “apparent violation of several statutory and regulatory requirements.”

“As of December 24, 2024, the town has agreed to implement provisions outlined in a Consent Order to bring the facility and its operations into full compliance,” according to a news release. “These provisions include necessary changes in management and oversight, improvements in training, enhancements in animal care protocols, needed facility repairs, and monthly progress reports documenting the improvements.”

Among the violations noted in the consent order were improper grooming, a failure to provide necessary veterinary care, evidence of a mouse infestation in the shelter, and keeping animals in cages that didn’t meet minimum size requirements while primary enclosures were cleaned.

In a statement, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture said it is “fully committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of animals within the care of animal control facilities in the state.”

“To this end, we will continue to monitor the Town of Cheshire Animal Control facility on a monthly basis, ensuring that all corrective actions are completed to meet the required standards,” the statement reads. “We appreciate the cooperation of the Town of Cheshire in addressing these important issues, and we remain dedicated to maintaining transparency throughout this process. We are confident that these steps will help ensure that the animals housed at the facility receive the care they deserve and that the facility operates in full compliance with state regulations.”

Police recently announced that 23 dogs were adopted earlier this month after spending the past two years at the Cheshire Animal Control facility following the resolution of a “complicated legal case.”

Police said that as of Friday, Dec. 6, all 23 dogs housed at the animal control facility have been adopted into “their forever homes with loving families.”

“Additionally, seven dogs were returned to the defendant per the terms of a settlement agreement,” police wrote in a news release at the time. “This milestone marks the first time in over two years that there are no dogs currently being held in the Animal Control facility.”

See also: Cheshire Animal Control Facility Consent Order 2024