Animals neglected, drug paraphernalia seized
Stratford, CT (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Sep 24, 2009
County: Fairfield
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Priscilla Rivas
A local woman has been charged with animal cruelty after police said they found two adult dogs, four puppies and two cats in poor condition confined to her apartment.
Priscilla Rivas, 20, of Avo Street, was charged with eight counts of animal cruelty, four counts of failure to have dogs vaccinated for rabies and one count each of breach of peace, interfering with police and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released on a promise to appear in court after agreeing to turn the animals over to the town's animal control officers.
Officers were called to Rivas' home Thursday night to investigate a complaint by neighbors about animals living in squalor.
When officers got to the apartment, Rivas initially refused to allow them to come in, police said. After she eventually agreed, she grabbed a 12-inch water pipe from the kitchen table as they entered, police said.
Inside, police said they found dog food and fecal matter all over the floor, and the dogs were confined to an area so small they could hardly move.
When officers questioned Rivas about the water pipe, they said she responded that she uses it for recreational use, adding, "It's not like I'm selling trees on the street to kids," according to police.
Rivas also allegedly fought with officers while they were trying to handcuff her. References |
