The Connecticut Department of Agriculture this week seized several animals in Newtown and Cornwall, alleging cruelty by the owners.
Nine horses were seized at a farm on Towns End Road in Newtown after investigators found them to be malnourished and living in unhealthy conditions, the department said. The neglect of the horses, aged 4 to 27, was first investigated after complaints about their living condition and food and water supplies.
Seven of the horses are owned by the property’s resident, Steve Gabriel, and two by Patricia Whitehead of Darien, according to the Department of Agriculture.
State animal cruelty officers also seized two dogs and more than 30 cats from the home as well, as they were living in a poorly ventilated area contaminated by urine and feces. They were taken to municipal animal shelters.
In a separate incident, the agriculture department is dispersing this week a herd of 96 goats that were seized in January from Butterfield Farm Co. in Cornwall for being malnourished and suffering from poor health.
In order to prevent the spread of disease to the entire herd, the goats are being split up between sanctuaries, livestock auctions, farms, agricultural schools, and 4-H projects.
