WINCHESTER, Conn — Three people were arrested in connection with a cat hoarding case last week after an anonymous tip led police to a house in Winsted back in June.
The Winchester Police Department received an anonymous phone call concerning a sick cat on Moore Avenue. in Winsted on June 13. When they arrived, police and animal control officers noticed the strong odor of urine emanating from the home. Numerous cats were seen inside the residence.
At the time, police said animal control found more than 150 cats, and counting, two dogs, and a ferret at the home. The Winchester police chief called the situation "cat hoarding."
Police said eight people lived in the home, including a 6-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy. The other occupants of the residence were identified as James Thomen Sr., 61, Laura Thomen, 53, and Marissa O’Brien, 30.
The other residents were not named nor charged.
The children were removed immediately by the Department of Children and Families and placed with relatives.
After an investigation, police charged James Thomen, Laura Thomen and O’Brien each with 106 counts of cruelty to an animal, two counts of risk of injury to a minor. They are scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 1.
Doug Stewart is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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