In the early hours of August 10, the Woodbridge Police Department in Connecticut received a call that prompted a large-scale animal rescue operation across multiple agencies and areas.
At 5 a.m. officers were alerted to a local resident attempting to surrender 14 dogs at the government-run Woodbridge Regional Animal Control shelter, but when they arrived at the scene, things were worse than expected.
Outside the shelter, 20 dogs were discovered crammed into just five cages, all in a terrible condition. Further investigation at the resident’s address uncovered more animals at the home, leading to the rescue of 23 dogs, 20 cats and kittens, seven bunnies, and one guinea pig.
In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent when compared to 2022 intakes. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system compared to the same time the year before.
The situation quickly overwhelmed the Woodbridge Regional Animal Control, which was already operating at full capacity. Thankfully, both the community and neighboring animal control and rescue organizations in Branford, East Haven, and North Haven stepped in.
North Haven Animal Control, East Haven Animal Shelter, and Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter helped to provide care and shelter for the animals, while other organizations, including Halfway Home Rescue Inc., Perfect Imperfections, One More Dog Rescue, and Westley’s Wish K9 Rescue, are supporting Woodbridge Regional Animal Control.
In an update on Facebook Live, Chief Animal Control Officer Jessica Moffo from Woodbridge Regional Animal Control said: “We did place all the dogs in rescues in other agencies throughout Connecticut. Halfway Home has the bunnies, the cats and the guinea pig.”
“So far Halfway Home Rescue has taken in seven rabbits, one guinea pig and 14 cats,” a spokesperson for Halfway Home Rescue. “We expect more cats this week as our ACO is still working to remove cats from the home.
“All are underweight. The kittens are very young and need supplemental feedings throughout the day. Everyone was infested with fleas and ear mites, rabbits included. The kittens have upper respiratory infections and are being treated with help from our veterinarians. The rabbits have severely overgrown nails,” they added.
The spokesperson said that, once the animals have been fully vetted and deemed healthy enough for adoption, they will be posted as available.
With more than 50 animals seized and requiring care, animal cruelty charges have been filed against the resident, and the investigation remains ongoing. Some of the animals are already available for adoption while others require some more care and attention before going to a new home.