The director of the Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals of Connecticut has been arrested on 62 counts of cruelty to animals in a dispute involving an animal shelter still being built.
The Republican American reports that Bethlehem town officials are seeking an injunction to maintain custody of seized dogs, order to pay the state maximum $15 per dog per day for care and feeding and prevent Acker from owning, possessing or controlling any animal.
State police charged Acker, 60, of Bantam, on Monday.
Bethlehem Animal Control Officer Judy Umstead said dogs were in filthy cages and without food or water in the partially constructed building rented by Acker.
He called his arrest a "grave injustice" and said he will fight Bethlehem over custody of the dogs seized in a Nov. 8 raid of the shelter.
Acker was released on a court-set $15,000 bond. He is due in court on Dec. 10, according to a news release from state police.
SPCA Director Charged With 62 Counts of Animal Cruelty
Copyright AP - Associated Press
