String of incidents of abandoned animals continues to strain shelter system and advocates
- desmondsarmyct
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
NBC Connecticut | By Kevin Gaiss | October 1, 2025 |
Abandoned animals continue to be a problem plaguing Connecticut. In just the last few days, there have been another six cases in multiple towns.
“My heart just breaks. It is just not right they do that to those animals, you wanted them in the first place,” said Annamarie DeNote, of Bristol.
Her town was one of a few that have been dealing with a string of abandoned animals.
“First call the shelters, see what they can do, see if they can help you out,” DeNote said.
She is also speaking from experience. She told us before moving back to Bristol from Ohio, she had to re-home multiple pets.
Bristol Animal Control posted about a busy weekend responding to four cases. One involving a cat with kittens, and three other abandoned dogs. In Torrington, a dog was found tied to a picnic table, and they are currently looking for the owner. In Manchester, Desmond's Army has stepped in, offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest for a case involving a dog that was abandoned in the city.
“These animals hurt so badly from this action,” said Linda Pleva, with Desmond’s Army.
It’s an issue that continues to plague Connecticut. Through 2024, the state saw a 40% increase in animal cruelty cases compared to 2023, according to crime data from the state. Those numbers have held steady through the first half of 2025.
Desmond’s Army though, believes the problem is getting exponentially worse, and it continues to strain the shelter system.
“Every shelter, every animal control officer, every foster home, every one of them is overwhelmed,” said Pleva.
Pleva said the strain on the system is hard and continues to get harder, including on the mental health of the workers involved in the system.
As we approach 2026, advocates are looking to increase penalties for animal cruelty offenders. But they also added they need prosecutors and judges to follow through on penalties.
“Learn the laws, learn how they were intended to be used, and use them,” said Pleva.
Animal control officers say if you are struggling, reach out for help. If they can’t help directly, they can attempt to connect you to resources that will help. Because they never want you to abandon a pet.
I believe corporate greed is behind a lot of the abandonment we've seen in recent years.
If folks have a pet in need of medical care skyrocketing costs of veterinary care are no doubt a contributing factor because medical costs are beyond the reach of many pet parents.
Corporate ownership of vast # of practices needs to be curbed! The elderly, the disabled, the poor pet in need of care are all victims of a grab for profits that flies in the face of 'first do no harm'.
I don't mean to imply there aren't irresponsible owners because there are. But still, if prices aren't rolled back within the means of those who are of limited means (who also never…
this is a nightmare for all animals discarded! thank you for awareness and rewards.