State animal control officers went into a Bethany kennel Wednesday and spent most of the day removing animal, after animal, after animal.
By the end of the day, 11 adult German Shepherds and Labradors, 38 puppies, more than 50 birds, including finches, doves, pigeons and parakeets, and about 50 waterfowl -- all of various breeds -- and several pheasants were removed from a licensed kennel on Oak Ridge Drive.
The investigation began when people started complaining about sick puppies. One person reported getting a puppy that was so sick it it had to be euthanized.
A woman who answered the phone at the home said she and her husband were sickened by the raid.
“We are not criminals. We love these animals,” she said.
Jeff Boyarsky, the homeowner, is a breeder of mostly German Shepherds.
Neighbors said there were many animals around the home. At one point, there was even a goat. They describe the Boyardskys as hardworking people who mostly keep to themselves.
When State Animal Control Officers and State Environmental Conservation Police inspected the property Monday, they found frozen water buckets, thin dogs and a puppy that appeared lethargic, according to a news release from the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture.
A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. This story will be updated throughout the day.
