Allyson Halm

Judge Finds Neglect, Grants Town Temporary Custody of 12 Seized Dogs

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Saying the owner of 12 dogs seized by police last month has been neglectful in caring for the animals, a state Superior Court judge on Monday awarded temporary custody to the town. In petitioning the court for ownership, the town through remote hearings demonstrated “multiple aspects of neglect and disregard for the welfare of the animals” by 48-year-old Catherine Palmer, Judge Kenneth B. Povodator wrote in his decision. 

“To varying degrees, the animals were deprived of adequate veterinary care, assurance of adequate and proper food, and cleanliness of environment and their bodies, with no basis to suggest that these were isolated instances,” Povodator wrote in his conclusion. “The plaintiff has established neglect.”

A final hearing on the custody of the 10 small-breed puppies and two adult dogs is scheduled for Dec. 18. Palmer, in a related though separate criminal case, has been charged with three counts of animal cruelty connected to the deaths in September of three puppies at 151 Butler Lane.

Animal 411

‘Palmer Became Very Agitated’: NCPD Incident Reports Detail Arrested Woman’s Response in Animal Cruelty Case

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Authorities in removing 12 neglected dogs from a New Canaan home on a Tuesday morning last month found feces matted to some of the animals’ bodies, police records show. Some of the 10 puppies that local and state officials found in Catherine Palmer’s Butler Lane home on Nov. 17 appeared to be just a few days old, and the type of dry kibble made for newborns wasn’t available to them, according to New Canaan Police Department incident reports. 

There on a search-and-seizure warrant after a months-long investigation found that three puppies at the house had died, police found feces on the floor in the area of the kitchen where the animals were corralled, according to photographs submitted as part of a petition to transfer custody of the dogs to the town. Through a tenant in the home, Mark Harris, NCPD Animal Control Officer Allyson Halm spoke on the phone with Palmer while in the house. “I advised Palmer why we were in the house and that an arrest warrant had been issued for her relating to the deaths of three puppies,” Halm said in her incident report. 

“I further advised she should respond to the residence if she wanted to discuss the matter further.

Animal 411

Police: Another Puppy Died after Palmer Made Thanksgiving Weekend Drop-Offs to Buyers 

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Police say that prior to turning herself in Sunday on an active arrest warrant following the deaths of three puppies at her New Canaan home, Catherine Palmer traveled throughout the region with a vehicle full of puppies, making deliveries to people who’d purchased them. One of those puppies died last weekend, according to police. Palmer, 48, is accused of operating an illegal pet store, neglecting dogs and denying them access to medical care. Following a months-long investigation, police on Nov. 12 obtained a state Superior Court judge’s signature on a warrant charging her with three counts of felony cruelty to animals.

Allyson Halm

Animal Cruelty Case: Woman, 48, Turns Herself in on Felony Charges

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The 48-year-old woman that police say is responsible for the deaths of at least three puppies due to neglect on Sunday turned herself in on three counts of cruelty to animals. Catherine Daria Palmer, whose last known address is 151 Butler Lane, was released on $10,000 bond. Her arrest follows a months-long investigation by the New Canaan Police Department. According to an arrest warrant application by Officer Allyson Halm of the NCPD Animal Control section, Palmer operated an illegal pet store while keeping puppies and dogs in an unsanitary environment, lying to veterinarians about their health and denying the animals access to medical care. 

Police this month seized 10 puppies and two adult dogs from her Butler Lane home. “The puppies and adult dogs seized during this investigation are being well cared for and are thriving,” New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski said in a press release.

Allyson Halm

Animal Cruelty Warrant: Three Puppies Died in Butler Lane Home Due to Neglect [UPDATED]

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Update 10:30 a.m. Tuesday

Police say they’re searching for Catherine Palmer and that after she’s arrested, a detailed press release will go out that may include a request for donations. Until then, donations are not needed. “The puppies are being well cared for and are thriving,” according to Police Chief Leon Krolikowski. Inquiries can go to 203-594-3511. Original Article

New Canaan Police last week removed 12 dogs from a Butler Lane home and obtained an arrest warrant charging a woman with animal cruelty after three puppies died there due to neglect, records show.