Neglected Animals Seized in Newtown

Editor’s note: We published this story earlier in the week, but here it is again in case you missed it.

On Monday, the Department of Agriculture seized nine horses that were found to be malnourished and living in unhealthy conditions.

The seizure at 40 Towns End Rd. came after an investigation into complaints about the horses’ health and living conditions, including inadequate food, water, and shelter.

The horses, ranging in age from 4 to 27, were removed under a search-and-seizure warrant signed by a Danbury Superior Court judge. They were transported to the agriculture department’s Second Chance large-animal rehabilitation facility in Niantic.

Seven of the horses are owned by the property’s resident, Steve Gabriel, 53, and two by Patricia Whitehead, 60, of Darien.

State animal-control officers from the agriculture department will now pursue criminal charges of animal cruelty against the owners.

Also seized from the home today were two dogs and more than 30 cats that were living in a poorly ventilated area heavily contaminated by urine and feces. They were brought to area municipal animal shelters.