The Oxford Police Department reported that on Tuesday, 22 dogs were taken into custody, and a man was taken into custody for animal cruelty.
The dogs were taken into custody on Little Punkup Road at approximately 10:15 in the morning, according to First Selectman George Temple.
When officers from the police department and animal control conducted a search of a residence, they discovered nearly twenty dogs, many of which were suffering from a variety of medical conditions.
According to the first selectman, the conditions included a severe flea infestation, loss of vision, poor grooming, and skin rashes. Additional conditions included poor grooming. It was discovered that one of the dogs was carrying a pregnancy.
According to the state police, each of the dogs was transported to a local veterinary clinic in order to receive treatment.
“These dogs have been allowed to inbreed and fight with each other without any kind of control,” Temple said in a statement. “There has been no way to police this situation.” “We will not permit animal mistreatment in the town of Oxford.”
It was determined by officers of animal control that the individual was in over his head and that the situation required intervention.
According to Adrienne Croce, an officer in charge of animal control, “It is heartbreaking that people want to do right by the animals, but sometimes what you mean well and what you can actually do are two different things.”
There is a court date set for the 30th of June for the individual who was taken into custody.
