Warrant Details 'Animal Neglect' At Home In Stafford

STAFFORD, CT — A Stafford resident is facing animal cruelty charges, state police said.

Neal Basinet, 43, of Stafford, was arrested on a warrant Friday and charged with failure to vaccinate a dog, cruelty to animals and failure to comply with dog ownership requirements. He is due in Rockville Superior Court on July 21, records show.

The case dates back to April 3, when state police received a video call about potential "animal neglect" involving about 10 dogs, according to a warrant. In the background, state police could see feces and dirty conditions in the home, according to a warrant.

The caller said Basinet often leaves food out for the dogs to share when he goes away "on long weekends," according to a warrant. The caller said the dogs were not being properly cared for, according to a warrant.

Police and the Stafford Animal Control Department made several attempts to gain access to the property, according to a warrant. When they were finally able to get onto the property — roughly a month later — there was more than probable cause for an arrest, according to a warrant.

According to a warrant, investigators discovered:

• Several dogs had wounds, apparently from righting
• Some had infections
• Some had parasites
• None had been properly vaccinated
• Some dogs had foot deformities, consistent with poor nutrition and lack of exercise
• Some had other injuries

The dogs have received medical care, according to a warrant.