Montville Woman Charged With Cruelty To Animals: AG Tong

HARTFORD, CT — The state is moving to take custody of eight malnourished horses and has charged an Oakdale farm owner with cruelty to animals, according to a statement from State Attorney General William Tong. The state recently moved to gain permanent custody of the Laurel Ledge Farm horses which were described as "malnourished and severely neglected."

Michelle Wilson has been charged with nine counts of cruelty to animals in connection with the case.

The state began investigating following a complaint filed by Montville Animal Control last year. Investigators found several severely underweight horses, including an extremely thin and unsound horse that was being ridden.

State animal control authorities urged the owner to consult with an equine veterinarian, who advised measures to improve the horses’ nutrition and health, according to Tong's statement. When authorities returned to check on the condition of the horses, none of the medical care had been performed and the horses’ conditions had continued to deteriorate.

One horse, Tank, was suffering from a severe bone infection and was subsequently euthanized.

The Department of Agriculture obtained a warrant and gained custody of all nine surviving horses in September 2020. Equine veterinarians found all suffered from neglected dental care, and three were in obvious and significant dental pain.

All nine horses lacked proper hoof care, including a severe bacterial infection in one. Three of the nine horses needed extreme and immediate hoof care. Eight of the nine horses had some degree of lameness, and two were severely lame and in obvious pain. Several were malnourished-- some severely so, according to the statement.

The horses have recovered substantially in state care at the Second Chance Large Animal Rehabilitation Program in Niantic. One of the horses, Bavaro, continued to deteriorate following the seizure and had to be euthanized.

Currently, horses Tristian, Regal, Avadon, Ember, Cabot, Sullivan, Sebastian, and Bailey are in stable condition and showing signs of continued improvement.

“No animal should suffer in this way. These horses were severely malnourished and in visible pain. We are moving today for permanent custody to ensure these horses receive the care and respect all living creatures deserve. It is my hope that these horses will continue to thrive under state care, and will one day find new loving homes,” Tong said in a statement.