A husband and wife from Torrington charged with animal abuse this week was not supposed to have animals in their home after officials previously removed 32 animals from their home six years ago.
This week, police said they found 18 cats and dogs living in 47 White Pine Road in Torrington, with little food and the house was littered with animal urine and feces.
Police arrested Rene Wheeler, 48, and Lee Wheeler, 49, after investigating a complaint of animal abuse.
The wood floors of the home were covered with fecal matter and soaked with urine, police said, and most of the animals did not have access to water.
Several dogs and cats were running loose or in small cages throughout the house. One dog in the basement was in obvious need of immediate veterinary care and is at a local veterinary clinic, police said.
The animal control officer took custody of the other animals. Some were transported to the City of Torrington Animal Control facility and the rest were placed in the care of "Feline Friends," a local animal care/adoption facility.
The Wheelers were charged with animal cruelty and released on bail. They are due in court on Aug. 15.
Local
In 2005, animal control officers removed 17 dogs, 13 cats and two rabbits from the Wheelers home. In addition to animal cruelty charges, the couple was charged with violating three health codes.
A judge put them on probation and reportedly ordered them not to have anymore animals in the home.
