STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE ANIMAL CRUELTY

                                             IN HARWINTON

   On 07/09/09 in the early evening the Harwinton Resident State Trooper's office learned of a possible safety situation regarding a number of poultry located at 381 Litchfield Road in the town of Harwinton. The Resident State Trooper and the State animal control officer responded to the residence to investigate. Upon arrival observations were made that caused the area to be secured.

   As a result of these observations and information developed on the initial response to the scene State Police Detectives submitted a search and seizure warrant application to Superior Court to conduct a search of the property.  The search warrant was issued by the court and with the assistance of the State Police Major Crime Squad Detectives and Department of Agriculture personnel a search of the property took place.

   State Police Detectives located and seized several items of evidence related to activity concerning cruelty to poultry and state gaming regulations. In addition multiple crates and cages housing chickens and roosters were located. There were over 300 birds located and seized from this property.  In addition Investigators are investigating that these birds were being used or bred for possible cockfighting.   

   Based on the evidence seized and information learned, and working with personnel from the State Department of Agriculture, the State Police is continuing the criminal investigation into this case.   

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   LT. J. Paul Vance