Press Releases
01/19/2021
Attorney General Tong Moves for State Custody of Neglected Horses Seized from Oakdale Farm
(Hartford, CT) – The Office of the Attorney General today moved for the state to gain permanent custody of eight malnourished and severely neglected horses seized from Laurel Ledge Farm in Oakdale.Triggered by a complaint from Montville Animal Control, the state Department of Agriculture’s Animal Control Unit met with farm owner Michelle R. Wilson last year and observed several severely underweight horses, including an extremely thin and unsound horse that was being ridden. State animal control authorities urged the owner to consult with an equine veterinarian, who advised measures to improve the horses’ nutrition and health. When authorities returned to check on the condition of the horses, none of the medical care had been performed and the horses’ conditions had continued to deteriorate. One horse, Tank, was suffering from a severe bone infection and was subsequently euthanized.
The Department of Agriculture sought a search and seizure warrant and obtained custody of all nine surviving horses in September 2020. Equine veterinarians found all suffered from neglected dental care, and three were in obvious and significant dental pain. All nine horses lacked proper hoof care, including a severe bacterial infection in one. Three of the nine horses needed extreme and immediate hoof care. Eight of the nine horses had some degree of lameness, and two were severely lame and in obvious pain. Several were malnourished-- some severely so. The horses have recovered substantially in state care at the Second Chance Large Animal Rehabilitation Program in Niantic. One of the horses, Bavaro, continued to deteriorate following the seizure and had to be euthanized. Currently, horses Tristian, Regal, Avadon, Ember, Cabot, Sullivan, Sebastian, and Bailey are in stable condition and showing signs of continued improvement.
“No animal should suffer in this way. These horses were severely malnourished and in visible pain. We are moving today for permanent custody to ensure these horses receive the care and respect all living creatures deserve. It is my hope that these horses will continue to thrive under state care, and will one day find new loving homes,” said Attorney General William Tong.
“The top priority for our Animal Control Officers is to work with the owner to rectify the situation without removing the animals,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “We encourage those experiencing tough times to seek out resources available at the local, state, and federal level to ensure the needs and well-being of their animals are met.”
The Department of Agriculture recognizes the hardship experienced by many animal owners due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19, including job loss resulting in financial instability. Additionally, severe drought throughout much of the state in 2020 limited available grazing during the summer months and negatively impacted the production of feed, including hay. The agency has compiled a directory of hay resources, as well as COVID-19 resources, which are available at www.CTGrown.gov. Livestock and domestic animal owners are encouraged to reach out if additional assistance is needed.
The motion filed in Hartford Superior Court on behalf of the Department of Agriculture seeks permanent state custody of the animals. The motion also requests the court order Ms. Wilson to provide daily compensation to the Department of Agriculture for the temporary care of the animals. There will be a remote preliminary virtual hearing on the matter before Hartford Superior Court at 3 p.m. on Thursday, January 21.
Ms. Wilson has also been charged with nine counts of Cruelty to Animals. That separate criminal matter is pending in Norwich Superior Court.
Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Harding and Assistant Attorney General Matt Levine, Head of the Environment Department, assisted the Attorney General in this matter.
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Media Contact:
Elizabeth Benton
elizabeth.benton@ct.gov
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