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In The Media


Episode 3: The Cases
In this episode of the Desmond's Army Podcast, host Matt Caron and Vice President Linda Pleva discuss various cases of animal cruelty and neglect , highlighting the urgent need for legislative changes in Connecticut. They cover specific cases, including the abandonment of dogs Eeyore and Piglet, the opening of a controversial retail pet shop, and the tragic stories of Bambi and Bear, who suffered from starvation and neglect. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adv
Jan 3


Severe cold weather protocol in effect beginning at 5 pm on Thursday to noon on Friday
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026 , and remaining in effect until noon on Friday, January 16, 2026 , due to a blast of cold air that will impact the state during this period, including overnight temperatures that are expected to fall into the low to mid-teens with wind chills ranging between zero and ten degrees.
6 days ago


Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates is featured in the Winter 2025 issue of Connecticut Dog Magazine!
A big congratulations to our President, Zilla Cannamela, for her powerful words that beautifully capture our mission: fighting for stronger animal protection laws, courtroom advocacy under Desmond's Law, monitoring cruelty cases, and supporting victims of abuse. Check out the full article to learn how we're making a difference—and join us! Volunteer, report cruelty, or support our work to give animals a voice. Read it here: https://issuu.com/.../connecticut_dog_magazine_winte
Jan 9


Two Abandoned Dogs Found Dead Behind Stop & Shop in Manchester; $5K Reward Issued
MANCHESTER, CT – Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates is deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic discovery of two deceased pitbull-mix dogs in the woods near the Stop & Shop plaza on Broad Street in Manchester, CT, on January 3, 2026.
Jan 7


$5K reward for info on abandoned kittens in Shelton Walmart bathroom
SHELTON, CT – Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $5,000 REWARD for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for abandoning two innocent kittens in the Shelton Walmart bathroom on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at approximately 1:00 pm.
Jan 5


Severe cold weather protocol in effect through Sunday afternoon
Governor Ned Lamont announced that he is activating Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, and remaining in effect until noon on Sunday, January 4, 2026 , due to a blast of unusually cold weather that will impact the state during this period, including wind chills during the overnight hours on most of these nights that are expected to drop into the single digits and near zero at times.
Dec 29, 2025


Gov. Activates Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol Beginning at 5 pm on Christmas Day
CT Cold weather protocol in effect from 5:00 pm, Thursday, Dec. 25, through 10:00 am Sunday, Dec 28 December 24, 2025 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 25, 2025, and remaining in effect until 10:00 am on Sunday, December 28, 2025 , due to a blast of arctic conditions that will impact the state during this period, including wind chills during the over
Dec 25, 2025


Episode 2: The Link
In this episode of the Desmond’s Army Podcast, leaders from Desmond’s Army join animal welfare expert Phil Arkow to discuss the powerful link between animal cruelty and domestic violence. The conversation highlights gaps in the legal system, the need for reform and collaboration, and ends with a call for greater awareness and more pet-friendly shelters.
Dec 18, 2025


Animal rights group asks why Norwalk man accused of shooting dog not charged with cruelty
Norwalk police say Jeffrey Vigil, a city man, is accused of shooting a pit bull during a domestic dispute on Old Saugatuck Road Wednesday evening. Courtesy of the Norwalk Police Department Greenwich Time | by Peter Yankowski | Dec 12, 2025 | A Connecticut animal rights group is questioning why a man charged in a Norwalk domestic dispute, during which police said he shot a dog that bit him , is not facing animal cruelty charges. The man, 52-year-old Jeffrey Vigil, 52 is char
Dec 13, 2025


Gov. activates severe cold weather protocol beginning at 12 pm tomorrow
CT Cold weather protocol in effect from 12 pm on Sunday, Dec. 14, through 12 pm on Monday, Dec. 15 Dec ember 13, 2025 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at noon on Sunday, December 14, and remaining in effect until noon on Monday, December 15 , due to a blast of arctic air that will impact the state, including windchill temperatures during the overnight hours that are expected to be
Dec 13, 2025


Gov. activates severe cold weather protocol
CT Cold weather protocol in effect from 3 pm Thursday, Dec. 4, through 12 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 9 Dec ember 4, 2025 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a blast of arctic temperatures averaging 10 to 20 degrees below normal over the next several days. The Governor has activated CT's severe cold weather protocol beginning at 3 pm Thursday, Dec. 4, and ending at 12 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 9. P
Dec 5, 2025


Behind the Scenes of Desmond's Army with President Zilla Cannamela
The story behind Desmond's Army is one of passion, dedication, and a clear mission to make a difference. In the latest episode of the DA Podcast , President Zilla Cannamela shares firsthand insights into how Desmond's Army began and the principles that guide it today, including the important Desmond's Law. This blog post takes you deeper into that conversation, revealing the origins, challenges, and vision that shape this unique community. By understanding Desmond's Army and
Nov 12, 2025


Animal rights advocate reacts to alleged animal abuse video in Waterbury
News 8 | by: Zuri Hoffman | October 22, 2025 | WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — The Waterbury Police Department is investigating an alleged case of animal abuse caught on video . The video reportedly shows a man punching a small black and white dachshund while she was tied to a pole before dragging her down the street. The dog, which is now in the city’s custody, has minor injuries but is doing well overall. “I spoke to our animal control officers, and they say that the dog is hap
Oct 23, 2025


Nonprofit offers $5K reward for info on dog found tied to picnic table in Torrington
News 8 | by: Jareliz Diaz | October 3, 2025 a TORRINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $5,000 reward for information on a husky that was found along a walking trail in Torrington. The dog was found on Wednesday, tied on a retractable leash to a picnic table behind John Toro Field, the nonprofit said. Anyone who recognizes the dog or knows who it belongs to is asked to contact Torrington Regional Animal Control at 860-485-9165.
Oct 3, 2025


String of incidents of abandoned animals continues to strain shelter system and advocates
NBC Connecticut | By Kevin Gaiss | October 1, 2025 | Abandoned animals continue to be a problem plaguing Connecticut. In just the last...
Oct 1, 2025


$6K for info on Rottweiler found abandoned in Bloomfield
BLOOMFIELD, CT | Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates | Aug 29, 2025 | Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $5,000 reward...
Aug 29, 2025


$5K reward offered for info on male pit bull found abandoned in Woodbury
WOODBURY, CT | Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates | Aug 22, 2025 | Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $5,000 reward for...
Aug 22, 2025


$10K reward offered for info on sick, emaciated, elderly male dog found abandoned in Southington
Southington's animal control department said it had to euthanize this cancer-stricken dog that was abandoned in town this week. (Town of...
Aug 14, 2025


Governor Lamont Activates Extreme Hot Weather Protocol for the Coming Week
Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, and remain in effect through at least...
Aug 10, 2025


$5K reward offered for info on dog found abandoned in Glastonbury
WTNH | By Bailey Wright | Aug 5, 2025 | GLASTONBURY, Conn. — Desmond’s Army is offering a $5,000 reward for information about a dog found...
Aug 6, 2025
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