State Takes Custody Of Montville Horses Now Up For Adoption

MONTVILLE, CT — The state has taken custody of eight formerly malnourished and severely neglected horses seized from Laurel Ledge Farm in Oakdale, according to a statement from state officials. The eight horses were seized from the farm and a Montville woman was charged with cruelty to animals in January.

See related: Montville Woman Charged With Cruelty To Animals: AG Tong

The state began an investigation 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 a statement from Attorney General William Tong. 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.

The horses' owner, Michelle Wilson, has been charged with nine counts of cruelty to animals in connection with the case.

The horses have since received extensive medical care and rehabilitation at the state’s Second Chance Large Animal Rehabilitation Program in Niantic and are now available for public adoption.

The state moved to take permanent custody of the horses last month. Wilson has since agreed to relinquish custody.

"We are fortunate that this story has a happy ending, but these horses should never have suffered in this way," Tong said in a statement. "State assistance is available through the Department of Agriculture, and animal owners in need should seek help immediately—long before legal action becomes necessary. I want to thank the expert caretakers at the Second Chance Large Animal Rehabilitation Program for truly giving these beautiful horses a second chance at a loving and happy life."

The state first secured temporary custody of nine horses from Laurel Ledge Farm in September 2020. Eight of the nine horses recovered in state care at the Second Change Large Animal Rehabilitation Program. One of the horses continued to deteriorate following the seizure and had to be euthanized.

Horses Tristan, Regal, Avadon, Ember, Cabot, Sullivan, Sebastian, and Bailey are now available for public adoption, along with two other horses previously seized and in state custody in an unrelated case. To be considered, interested parties should fill out an application form, specifying which horse they are interested in.

Potential adopters will be thoroughly vetted through a background check and site visit to verify adequate facilities. All adopters will be required to sign an agreement. For more information, click here.