CT Moves To Take Custody Of 99 Sheep, 1 Goose In Animal Neglect Case

BEACON FALLS, CT — The state moved to take custody of 99 neglected sheep and one goose seized from a Beacon Falls farm last month, according to a statement from Attorney General William Tong.

State animal control officers responded to a complaint last month at a five-acre property at 392 Lopus Road owned by David Chesnutis.

"The property was highly unsanitary, strewn with trash, empty beer cans, construction debris, wooden pallets, and empty food containers," according to Tong's statement. "The sheep were unshorn, with overgrown hooves. Some were missing fleece and suffering from skin conditions, parasites, and lice. Numerous bones and carcasses of deceased sheep were found. The sheep lacked adequate food, shelter, and warmth for the winter conditions. Chesnutis voluntarily allowed the officers to remove one ewe and one lamb in need of immediate medical care."

Officers secured a warrant and returned to the property the following day to seize 99 sheep and one goose. The property's owner consented to the removal of 21 cats, who were transferred to the care of Woodbridge animal control.

The sheep and goose are currently being cared for at the Department of Agriculture’s Second Change Large Animal Rehabilitation Facility in Niantic.

The State of Connecticut has also charged Chesnutis with animal cruelty.

“The conditions at this property were beyond deplorable, and the sheep were severely neglected. We are moving for permanent state custody to ensure these animals receive the care and treatment they urgently require and deserve,” Tong said in a statement.

If you suspect animal cruelty, reports can be made directly to the local animal control department or contact the Department of Agriculture at 860-713-2506 or AGR.AnimalControl@ct.gov.