Police have charged a 58-year-old Torrington woman with cruelty to animals weeks after authorities removed 21 cats, three live dogs and three dead dogs from her home on Beechwood Avenue.
Torrington police said the investigation began after Torrington Regional Animal Control received a complaint about the well-being of animals at 163 Beechwood Ave. The person told police the house was cluttered and there were several cats and dogs in the house, some of which were caged and some of which loose.
Police said the owner was uncooperative and would not let authorities check the condition of the animals.
Animal control officers and detectives obtained a search and seizure warrant and removed the animals from the home on Nov. 17. Police said there were 21 cats and three dogs living in the house. They also found three dead dogs during the search.
Most of the animals were in cages and did have food and water. Officers said there were items piled up throughout the house and the conditions made it difficult to gather the loose animals.
All the animals will be cared for by Torrington Regional Animal Control and will be evaluated by veterinary services.
NBC Connecticut went to the house the day police announced they seized the animals and there was no answer.
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Robin Betz has been charged with cruelty to animals and failure to have rabies vaccinations for the animals. Betz was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond and she is due in court on Dec. 18.