Two men are in custody in Ansonia, Conn., after police came upon 14 emaciated animals — plus a dead dog — during an unrelated search of a home.
The “unrelated criminal investigation” yielded 11 dogs and three cats, a number of which were “in urgent need of medical attention, indicating severe neglect,” Ansonia police said Tuesday in a statement. “In total, 11 dogs and 3 cats were seized from the residence. Tragically, one deceased dog was also found on the premises. A necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.”
Several of the dogs were rushed to a vet for emergency treatment, but two could not be saved, police said.
“Despite efforts to save them, two dogs had to be humanely euthanized due to their extreme medical conditions, as determined by the attending veterinarian,” the cops said. “Several other dogs are still receiving treatment.”
Police arrested Javon Coverson, 30, and charged him with eight counts of cruelty to animals, plus seven counts each of failure to comply with dog ownership requirements and rabies control ordinances. He posted $10,000 bond and is due in court June 20.
Assante Coverson, 26, was charged with cruelty to animals and with failure to comply with dog ownership requirements and rabies control ordinances. He was released on $1,000 bond and will appear in court Friday, police said.
“There was a bunch of activity, I believe with three or four police cars,” nearby Ansonia resident Richard Diaz told WFSB. “I don’t believe this was the first occurrence either. There was talk in the neighborhood about a puppy mill being over there.”
Police did not say what prompted the search initially but implied that more arrests could be forthcoming.
“The investigation into this case of animal cruelty is ongoing, and additional arrests may be made as further evidence is gathered,” the statement concluded.
