7/19/2010

     The Waterford/ East Lyme Animal Control facility requests that citizens remain vigilant in reporting conduct/ actions that they believe my constitute “Animal Cruelty;” potentially placing animals in grave danger of injury and or death.        

     Two recent incidents were brought to the attention of Waterford/ East Lyme Animal Control Officer (ACO) Robert Yuchniuk.  The first hand observations, and citizens’ willingness to get involved, were the catalyst for ACO Yuchniuk being able to respond in a timely manner and provide assistance to the animals having been placed in harm’s way.   ACO Yuchniuk subsequently identified the responsible parties and took enforcement action.  On July 14, 2010, ACO Yuchniuk responded to a vehicle with a dog locked inside - parked at the Crystal Mall parking lot.  Although the vehicle windows were partially opened, the recent heat and humidity indexes send interior vehicle temperatures well over one-hundred degrees when unoccupied and without any cooling system running.  The canine, which initially appeared in distress, was later cooled by the vehicle’s air conditioning and provided hydration.  The animal’s owner stated the dog was only in the car a short period, which was contradicted by the ACO’s investigation & witness accounts.  Meagan Madore, age 26, of 37 South RD, Bozrah, CT, was arrested for “Animal cruelty” and released on a Promise to Appear in New London Superior Court on July 26, 2010.   

     On July 15, 2010, ACO Yuchniuk responded to a report of an injured and malnourished canine wandering about a residential neighborhood in Waterford, CT.  As a result, the canine was taken into custody, provided emergency care for a series of life threatening visible injuries, and remains at the Waterford/ East Lyme ACO facility while an acceptable owner and home may be found.  On July 16, 2010, Richard Hubbert, age 44, of 57-R North Road, Waterford, CT, was arrested for the maltreatment of the animal.  Hubbert was charged with, Cruelty to Animals, Allowing a dog to roam, Failure to properly license a dog, and Failure to provide Rabies vaccinations.  Hubbert will appear in New London Superior Court on July, 30, 2010. 

     During periods of extreme weather conditions, citizens are urged to consider not traveling with their animals in automobiles where the animals may be left inside the closed vehicle without proper cooling and clean/ fresh water sources.  This same health warning is extended for animals remaining outdoors in areas having insufficient shelter from the elements and extreme temperatures.  Any suspected abuse/ neglect should be reported to the local animal control authority.  In the towns of Waterford and East Lyme, citizens may contact the Waterford/ East Lyme Animal Control Officer at 860-867-6731.  For services and upcoming events regarding the ACO facility they may also be followed on Facebook.com.