State Seeks Permanent Care Of Neglected Dogs In Higganum Case: AG Tong

HIGGANUM, CT — Attorney General William Tong this week moved for state custody of 28 neglected German Shepherd dogs seized from a Higganum home in May, according to a statement. Dean Moore allegedly left his Higganum home April 18 for a family vacation to the Philippines, leaving 23 German shepherds in the care of temporary caretakers.

The caretakers soon discovered the dogs had been left in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, according to the statement. Moore’s two dogs had given birth to a total of 19 puppies only weeks before. The puppies were kept outside in dangerously cold temperatures and unprotected from other adult dogs.

Another dog was pregnant and due to give birth soon. Moore did not have enough food for the dogs and provided no instructions regarding medication for the dogs.

Within days of Moore’s departure, six puppies had died, and the remaining puppies were ill, according to the statement. A caretaker contacted Moore regarding an injured puppy, and Moore allegedly refused to authorize medical care and told them to “let nature take its course.”

The caretakers reported the situation to animal control. Animal control officers found the surviving puppies were suffering from contagious parasites, and an adult dog had untreated Lyme disease.

Fencing at the site was in disrepair, and one adult dog escaped and has not been located. State animal control officers removed the dogs on a warrant.

While in the care of the state, the pregnant mother gave birth to five additional puppies. The dogs are currently being cared for in a variety of safe placements around the state, according to the statement.

Moore was charged with 20 counts of animal cruelty. Those charges against him are pending in Middletown Superior Court.

A petition filed this week in Hartford Superior Court on behalf of the Department of Agriculture seeks permanent state custody of the dogs. The petition also seeks to have Moore reimburse the Department of Agriculture for the cost of the dogs' care while in state custody, for which he must post a bond.

“Dean Moore failed to make adequate provision for the care of his many dogs during his planned, prolonged absence, and as a result, six puppies died. The court did the right thing in authorizing the removal of the remaining dogs for their protection. We are now moving for state custody to ensure these dogs are given the care they need and the chance to find the safe, permanent, loving homes they deserve,” Tong said in a statement.

See related: Higganum Man Charged With 20 Counts Of Animal Cruelty: Reports