40 animals found living in deplorable conditions
Montville, CT (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Nov 17, 2010
County: New London

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Walter W. Boza

Montville police arrested a Groton City man Wednesday on multiple animal cruelty charges linked to the discovery of more than 40 animals found living in deplorable conditions at a flea-infested Montville apartment.

Walter W. Boza, 39, of 85 Bishop Lane in Groton City was presented in Norwich Superior Court today to face five counts of animal cruelty.

Boza's arrest stems from the Nov. 17 discovery that his apartment at 1591 Norwich New London Turnpike in Montville contained three kittens, three snakes, four birds, two guinea pigs, two rats, 18 ferrets, a bearded dragon reptile, a hamster, several tropical fish and a Welsh Corgi dog smeared in feces with a growth on his rear half the size of a football, according to police reports.

Montville Animal Control Officer Christian Martel, in an arrest warrant affidavit filed with the court, described an apartment with animal excrement, empty water bottles, moldy dishes, several dead animals, rotting food and "insects flying throughout the apartment in swarms."

The last animal was adopted, with the help of several organizations, the week before Christmas, Martel said.

Boza, in an interview with Martel on Nov. 23, admitted he was caring for the animals while his roommate was hospitalized.

Boza said he was staying elsewhere some of the time, but had been going to the apartment "as often as possible to feed the animals, and that he realized there were too many animals to care for," reports show. He said he tried to give some of the animals away and intended to contact the Connecticut Humane Society, but "had not gotten around to it," according to the affidavit. Boza said all of the animals belonged to his roommate.

Free with a promise to appear, Boza is due back in court on Feb. 17. He was ordered not to possess any animals.

References

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