CHESHIRE, Conn. — Animal cruelty allegations are surfacing in Cheshire against the town’s animal control officer, dating back to an incident from two years ago.
In 2022, a criminal incident forced the town to seize 28 dogs. They’ve been housed at Cheshire Animal Control ever since. Animal advocates claim the dogs arrived generally healthy and well groomed, but as time passed, their conditions deteriorated.
“I’m not sure what the excuse would be for the town not to get them regular vet care and grooming,” animal advocate Kristine Cormier said.
Cormier was one of the first people to sound the alarm on Cheshire Animal Control.
She wrote a letter outraged at the condition of the facility itself and the animals housed inside. State Department of Agriculture reports show that for years, the facility failed inspections citing improper sanitation, food storage, ventilation and overcrowding.
Obtained images allegedly show animals inside the facility.
“Urine scalding, feces stuck in their fur. Super overgrown nails to the point where they were curling under into their paw pads so when they walked their paws were bleeding,” Cormier described.
At least one of the dogs was allegedly euthanized while under the care of Cheshire Animal Control Officer April Leiler.
The state Department of Agriculture said, “This is an ongoing investigation. We have no further comment."
“I’d like some answers,” Cormier said. “I’d like some answers from the town and I’d like some answers from the state.”
Animal Control Officer April Leiler denied that the dogs were in "terrible condition" and referred to the public information officer when asked for comment.
Leiler's boss, Police Chief Neil Dryfe, said he "[stands] by our actions in this case."
“It’s very complicated. It involved a lot of dogs and a puppy mill type situation," Dryfe said. "It got tied up in court and unfortunately they’ve been here a lot longer than we wanted to have them here out of fairness for the dogs. But I stand by the actions of all Cheshire town employees that played a role in this.”
When asked if he has faith in Leiler, he responded, “Absolutely, 100%.”
As of right now, Cheshire’s animal control officer is not facing any charges. The chief called this a complex criminal case involving litigation.
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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