A Connecticut man was charged with 50 counts of animal cruelty Tuesday after dozens of dogs and cats were removed from his home.
Police were tipped off that a large amount of animals were being hoarded at a house in Watertown.
After obtaining a search warrant for the residence on Cobb St., officers discovered seven adult dogs, 18 puppies and 25 cats and kittens inside. Police did not specify how many adult cats were in the home but said most of the animals recovered were kittens and puppies.
Staff from the Roxbury Animal Clinic were brought to the home to check the condition of the animals which were then taken to kennels and shelters. The animals were “in fairly good health,” according to Watertown Police Chief Joshua Bernegger, though he noted that “if you could imagine 50 animals in a small house, I think you could probably imagine what the condition of the house was.”
Martin Oliver, the 52-year-old homeowner, was charged with 50 counts of cruelty to animals and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 14.
Speaking with Hartford CBS affiliate WFSB, Oliver said he had several adult dogs and cats but couldn’t afford to get them all spayed and neutered.
“Just be careful. If you have your dogs and cats, get them spayed, get them neutered. If not, things can get out of hand real quick,” he admitted, but said he did his best to keep the animals fed and his home clean.
