Dozens of dogs, hens and roosters have been seized from a Deep River home after an investigation that started in April and the homeowner has been charged with 55 counts of cruelty to animals.
The investigation started in April 2023 when Tri Town Regional Animal Control received a complaint about barking dogs at a home on Bushy Hill Road in Deep River, according to state police.
A woman who said she owned the home told the officers that she bred dogs at the residence and had a kennel license.
Officials learned the homeowner had three kennel licenses and was allowed to house up to 30 adult dogs.
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The dogs in the yard looked to be alert and responsive but had abnormally oily coats, which raised concerns about possible maltreatment, state police said.
As the investigation continued, animal control officers tried several times between September and January to perform a kennel check at the residence, but the homeowner refused to allow officers in and wouldn’t schedule a time for the kennel check, state police said.
They told her that help was available if animals needed new homes or to be adopted.
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On Jan. 3, a veterinary hospital contacted Tri Town Regional Animal Control about a possible case of animal cruelty and officers learned that a dog allegedly owned by the same person had arrived at the hospital with severe medical conditions and needed to be euthanized, according to state police.
A week later, animal control officers and Deep River police went back to the home.
Police said they found unsanitary conditions, such as dirt, trash, urine and fecal matter, inside and determined it was unsuitable for the animals. They also noted that there wasn’t enough food or water for the dogs and some of the animals had matted and unclean fur.
On Jan. 25, a search warrant was served at the residence and 43 dogs, three hens and one rooster were seized from inside the residence and eight more hens were seized from the property, state police said.
All of the seized animals were evaluated and have been transported to animal control facilities around the state for continuing care.
First Selectman Carol V. Doak-Jones released a statement, saying the town does not have ownership of the dogs and they are not available for adoption, but donations are needed to take care of the dogs.
Following is the full statement:
“Many calls have come in to the town hall expressing concern about the homeowners and the dogs. Thank you so much for reaching out.
“However, at this point, this is a criminal case as noted in the police statement above. The dogs are not up for adoption at this time, as the town does not have ownership.
“While certainly well intended, please do not visit the dog pound or call the ACO regarding this matter; she is not at liberty to speak about an active case and no unauthorized persons are allowed with the dogs at this time. The ACO will continue to take all routine animal related calls as per her job description.
“We currently have 20 dogs at the pound, with an additional mother and her puppies at a private residence. Another 15+ animals are currently being housed with other local animal control officers at their shelters.
“As you can imagine, this large influx of dogs has taken its toll on the dog pound supplies. We are in desperate need of the following:
- Small breed dry dog food
- Small breed dry puppy chow
- Wet food
- Pee pads (Training pads for dogs)
- Paper Towels
- Clorox wipes
- Dish soap
- Old Bath towels
- Small metal dog dishes (heavy plastic is ok, as long as it's sturdy, so it won't tip over easily)
- Please drop donations off at the town hall.
“If you might be interested in adoption, please call my office and speak to Tina (860-526-6020), and she will take your name and contact information. The ACO will reach out to all interested parties, should any dogs become available. Again, at this time, we are not at liberty to discuss any details about the dogs (breed, age, etc.).
“Thank you again for keeping all those involved in this situation in your thoughts with only positive vibes. Remember, spread love not hate,” the statement says.
The 78-year-old homeowner, Jean Jameson, was charged with 55 counts of cruelty to animals and was released on the condition that she not possess any animals.
She is due in Middletown Superior Court on Feb. 8.
