WINCHESTER, CT (WFSB) – A 28-year-old woman was arrested on animal cruelty charges Tuesday morning after a joint investigation by local and state authorities.
Officers responded to 86 Strong Terrace at 6:30 a.m. to serve two arrest warrants for Sarah Smolak, part of an ongoing animal cruelty investigation.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Winchester Police Department, the Town of Harwinton Regional Animal Control Department, and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Animal Control Officers.
Smolak was held on a $150,000 bond and was transported to the Litchfield Judicial District Courthouse on Tuesday morning.
As part of the investigation, 24 dogs were seized from the property.
The animals are currently being examined, housed, and cared for locally.
In court today, Smolak shook her head as a judge told her she wouldn’t be spending the night in jail.
“I’m going to issue a written promise to appear,” the judge said.
But she is far from a free woman.
“The state has serious concern for the nature of the animals,” the prosecutor said.
Law enforcement and animal advocacy groups from as far as Long Island provided information leading to todays arrest.
Lynda Pleba with Desmond’s Army says she heard Smolak would board, train, and walk dogs, But they would go home in poor condition or worse.
“I know there’s been a lot of question revolving a dog called Marshmallow that disappeared. As the investigation has gone on, they’re finding that there are more,” Pleba said.
Smolak’s attorney has a different story about his client.
He claims last month police said they didn’t observe any abuse or neglect during a visit to her home.
“She took the dog to the vet clinic. They were trying to work out an arrangement to get surgery taken care of, which she was willing to pay part of,” her defense attorney said.
He went on to say she was working with rescues and looking after critical care dogs.
It has left some with questions on if the dogs were abused or battling illnesses.
“We don’t know what happened to them. Hopefully, through the investigation, were going to find out,” Pleba said.
Sarah Smolak will be back in court on May 8th.
Desmond’s Army says they will be there every step of the way until the truth comes out.
Assistance and information from advocacy groups and law enforcement partners from Long Island, New York, also contributed to the investigation.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Winchester Police Department at 860-379-2721 or the Town of Harwinton Regional Animal Control Department at 860-485-9051, extension 1129.
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