Illegal Kennel Owner Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charge: Darien Police

DARIEN, CT — A 44-year-old Darien man was arrested last week on a charge of animal cruelty for allegedly operating an illegal kennel where "an animal in his care died as a result of overheating," according to Darien police.

In addition to the charge of animal cruelty, Terrance Burns, owner of Terry's House of Pets, was also charged with operating an unlicensed kennel. He ran the business out of his home at 259 Hoyt St. in Darien.

"In July of 2017, the Darien Police Department was contacted about a possible illegal kennel
operating in town," wrote authorities in a statement. "The business was reported as 'Terry’s House of Pets' with an address of 259 Hoyt Street. Several allegations of animal cruelty against the owner were made to include abuse, unsanitary conditions, and neglect. It was also reported that an animal in his care died as a result of overheating."

The police department launched an investigation with the help of the Town of Darien Animal Control Officer and the State of Connecticut Animal Control Authorities.

"At the conclusion of the investigation, it was determined that probable cause existed for the
arrest of the owner of 'Terry’s House of Pets,' identified as Terrance Burns."

Burns surrendered to police on Oct. 6 and was released after posting a court-set bond of $25,000. He is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Oct. 16.

"Conditions of release as set by the court are that Burns is to cease any kennel operations at his home and not care for any animals."

Photo of Terrance Burns via Darien Police Departmen. Photo of 259 Hoyt St., Darien, via Google Maps