Monkey Seized In Enfield Home

ENFIELD, CT — Police found 34 dogs, 17 exotic birds and a capuchin monkey inside an Enfield home Tuesday, authorities said, prompting an animal-control investigation and the seizure of the monkey.

The animals were discovered at 293 Abbe Road while Enfield and Wethersfield police executed a search-and-seizure warrant connected to a 2025 robbery investigation in Wethersfield, according to an Enfield Police Department release emailed Tuesday afternoon by Chief Alaric Fox.

Police described the conditions inside the home as unsafe. The capuchin monkey was seized because it was allegedly being possessed unlawfully and was turned over to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for rehoming.

Enfield’s animal control officer is continuing to investigate the conditions involving the remaining animals and may take future enforcement action, police said. DEEP, the state animal control officer, Enfield Fire Department, North Central District Health Department and the town building inspector also responded.

Francisco Perez-Figueroa, 45, and Erica Valentin, 40, were arrested. Both face charges of risk of injury to a minor, cruelty to animals and illegal possession of a monkey, police said.

Perez-Figueroa also faces three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, operation of a drug factory and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. Police said officers recovered three firearms, ammunition and narcotics during the operation.

Perez-Figueroa’s bond was set at $250,000 surety, while Valentin’s bond was set at $25,000 non-surety. The charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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