Winsted woman faces 3 dozen counts of animal cruelty charges in most recent arrest

Officials say the outlook is good for the 27 rescued dogs in Winchester, Conn., but it will cost a lot of money to care for them and restore their health.

FOX61 | By Leah Myers | April 11, 2025

This arrest and her first arrest in March are part of an ongoing investigation into animal cruelty at a home on Strong Terrace.

WINCHESTER, Conn — A Winsted woman is facing more animal cruelty charges after an initial arrest in March.

Sarah Smolak, 28, turned herself in at the Winchester Police Dept. on Thursday afternoon and faces dozens of counts of animal cruelty charges.

Between two arrest warrants served Thursday, Smolak faces 36 counts of cruelty to animals, and their bond totals $35,000. She is scheduled to appear in court for these charges on April 24.

This arrest for the two warrants and her first arrest in March are part of an ongoing investigation into animal cruelty at a home on Strong Terrace, police said.

In March, Harwinton Regional Animal Control said that the 27 dogs seized from the home were placed in their care.

David Reid, 28, who shares the same address as Smolak, was also arrested in March and faces one count of cruelty to animals.