30-Plus Animals Seized In Animal Cruelty Case: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A woman has been arrested on animal cruelty charges in connection with the seizure of more than 30 animals, including cats, dogs, squirrels and an owl, from her home earlier this year in Hamden, according to police.

The Hamden Animal Control, with the assistance of animal control units from the State of Connecticut, Cheshire, East Haven, North Haven and Southbury, executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a home on Blue Hills Avenue on Oct. 26, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

“Upon entering the residence, animal control officers were greeted by two large rats,” Smith wrote in a news release. “After conducting a thorough and comprehensive search, animal control officers seized 26 cats, six dogs, two caged squirrels and a blind owl. One of the dogs was clinging to life. In addition, animal control officers seized three deceased animals, including two cats and a woodchuck. Taxidermic animals were found inside of the residence.”

Donna Scirocco, 59, was arrested Dec. 15 on a warrant and charged with six counts of cruelty to animals. She was being held in lieu of a $5,000 bond with a court date of Feb. 5.

Assistant Animal Control Officer Parris Gibbs conducted the investigation.