'Free Bailey': Protesters Speak Out For Fairfield Dog

FAIRFIELD, CT — About 25 people gathered Sunday morning outside a home in Greenfield Hill, chanting “free Bailey” and “four legs matter,” while holding signs that declared “dogs are family” and “Bailey deserves better,” according to video of the event provided by an organizer.

Bailey is a dog who lives outdoors on a property in the 200 block of Sherwood Farm Road and whose welfare has been a source of concern for some in Fairfield as the winter months approach.

Sunday’s protest was the second on Bailey’s behalf in recent weeks, according to Fairfield resident Jacqueline Levin, who has been involved in efforts to raise awareness about Bailey.

“We want to change the way that Bailey’s being treated,” Levin said in an interview Friday.

Police were present Sunday, according to Levin, who said law enforcement warned demonstrators not to block the road near the property where Bailey lives.

Authorities have also been in contact with Bailey’s owner since late October, visiting the home multiple times and finding no laws were broken, according to police. In addition to a padded dog house and a crate — both of which were kept under a deck and covered with a tarp — the owner last week agreed to keep Bailey in the garage in inclement weather, and the case was closed, police have said.

Police characterized the owner as being “very cooperative and understanding” during an Oct. 26 conversation, but noted the owner was also “very concerned” about both the complaints that authorities had received regarding Bailey and the potential for harassment and trespassing.

“She added that she loves her dog very much,” police said of the owner.

Repeated attempts by Patch to reach the owner Friday were unsuccessful.

"Often times, the public wants law enforcement to take action when there is not a violation of current state law, and current state law does not require pet owners to bring their domestic pets inside,” police said in an Oct. 27 Facebook post. “In cases such as this where disagreement occurs, it is our recommendation that the public contact their elected representatives in the Connecticut Legislature and advocate for changes to the laws.”

State law dictates pet owners must provide "protection from the weather," but does not offer specifics. Advocates for Bailey are hoping to draw attention to the law.

"There are probably a lot of Baileys out there,” Levin said Friday.