South Windsor Woman Charged After Bloomfield Kennel Inspection

BLOOMFIELD/SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — A kennel owner has been charged with several crimes related to animal cruelty after authorities discovered poor conditions on property in Bloomfield.

The case dates back to Jan. 22, when Bloomfield Animal Control Officer Christine Sparks received a complaint that a number of dogs had been left outside overnight in freezing conditions at 452 Tunxis Avenue Extension, police said.

Police said it was the third complaint associated with the address in two weeks and authorities suspected that an unlicensed kennel or breeding operation was present at the location.

Property records indicate the listed owner is Beech Tree Ranch LLC, a company owned by James and Margaret Boisture. Beech Tree Ranch LLC is the owner of Star Mountain Kennel, a breeder of Portuguese Podengo Pequeno dogs. according to a report. No valid kennel license had been issued to the facility or the property owners, according to a report.

On Jan. 24, Sparks, accompanied by Bloomfield police officers, traveled to the property, but were told by Margaret Boisture that they could not inspect it, a report indicates. Sparks was then granted a search and seizure warrant and discovered "cruel" conditions, according to state standards, according to a report.

More than 40 animals were at the at the facility and 15 dogs were taken to an area veterinary hospital for evaluation. A total of 23 animals were determined to be in good health and left on the property with orders to improve conditions, according to a report.

Police said that, based on the conditions of the property and the health of the 15 seized dogs, Margaret Boisture, 48, who is listed as a South Windsor resident on a report, was charged via a warrant with:

• Cruelty to animals
• Illegal confinement
• Operating a Kennel after License has been revoked/suspended
• Having Dogs with no rabies vaccinations

Her $75,000 bond posting came with the stipulation that she has no animals in her care, police said.