Hoarding - cats and dogs seized
Pawcatuck, CT (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Sep 2, 2009
County: New London
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Debra J. Lancaster
Debra J. Lancaster, 48, of 5 Richmond St., Pawcatuck, was charged with cruelty to animals.
Animal Control Officer Rae Jean Davis said Friday that Lancaster was the pet owner from whom she had seized eight dogs and three birds last March after a neighbor complained about the number of animals living in the house.
Davis said since that seizure, she has monitored the residence, and then recently received another complaint from a neighbor.
Upon inspection, Davis discovered two new cats, a new bird, and one of the female Pekingese dogs she had been allowed to keep had been bred, and had given birth to five puppies. Four of the puppies had been sold and one had been kept.
“She was told not to get anymore animals,” Davis said. “In the past seven months, she had a total of 26 animals in the house. I can't talk about the condition of the house but ... there was an issue with the care of the animals so I was able to charge her with animal cruelty.
Davis said Lancaster would not surrender the birds but did sign over the two cats. Davis also took possession of the three female Pekingese until the court case is resolved. Lancaster continues to have two male Pekingese, a male Doberman, and two birds. References |
