DCF Referral Leads To Animal Cruelty Charge For Stafford Teen

STAFFORD, CT — A 19-year-old Stafford resident has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty and three other criminal charges after her arrest the day before Thanksgiving, state police said.

The arrest was the result of an animal cruelty investigation initiated by the Stafford Animal Control Division on Sept. 21 on a referral from a state Department of Children and Families social worker, who was at the 118 West Stafford Road home to check on the condition of two children who live there, according to a warrant.

The social worker discovered a 3-year-old female German shepherd who appeared to be "emaciated" and a 6-month-old female pit bull who seemed to have a severe skin infection, according to a warrant.

The owner, Crystal Lynn Boughton, did not satify investigators that she was keeping the dogs healthy and fed and eventually signed them over to animal control, according to a warrant.

In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Boughton was charged with two counts of failure to provide rabies vaccinations, two counts of failure to comply with dog ownership requirements and interfering, according to a warrant.

She is due on court on DEec. 4, state police said.

Photo Credit: CSP

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