Repeat offenders -10 dogs & cats deplorable conditions
Torrington, CT (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Aug 3, 2011
County: Litchfield

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Lee Wheeler
» Renee Wheeler

A local man and woman were each charged Wednesday night with 18 counts of animal cruelty following an anonymous call to police reporting animals in an abusive situation.

Renee Wheeler and her husband Lee Wheeler had 10 dogs and 10 cats living in "deplorable, unsanitary conditions" at their White Pine Road home, according to police reports.

Torrington police report that when officers entered the home to remove the animals they were overwhelmed by the odor of animal urine and feces. Torrington animal control personnel and police removed the animals from the home that, according to the report, had feces, urine and filth.

The police report states that the wood floors of the residence were covered with fecal matter and soaked with urine, there was little or no food visible and no access to drinking water.

All but one of the animals were transported to the Torrington Animal Control facility and other area shelters called in to assist with placement and care. One dog was in need of immediate veterinary care and was transported to a local vet clinic where it is still being treated.

The Torrington Fire Department was also called into provide a cargo truck to transport the large number of animals to the care facilities.

They both have a $2500 bond and a court date of August 15.

This is not the first time that this couple has had animals removed from their home. In , to do so they removed carpeting, flooring, insulation, furniture and molding from the house.

The couple

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