2 Women Accused Of Animal Cruelty: Wallingford Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — Two Wallingford residents were arrested on animal cruelty charges after police said they left their pets without access to food or water for several days, resulting in the death of one of the cats.

Police investigated an animal cruelty complaint at a home on South Side Terrace, according to Capt. Michael Colavolpe.

During the investigation, Colavolpe said officers determined that Shaleana Ellis and Dynasty Grant had left their residence unattended for three days, “leaving behind three cats, each confined to separate cages, and a dog that had free access to the home.”

The investigation found that no one visited the residence during that time to provide care for the animals, according to Colavolpe.

“Both suspects admitted the animals were left without access to food, water, or an area to relieve themselves,” Colavolpe wrote in a news release. “The cats were reportedly kept in cages due to extreme hoarding conditions inside the residence.

“After returning home for approximately two days, the couple again left the animals unattended for an additional two days without food, water, or proper care. Upon their return, one of the cats was released from its cage and subsequently died. Ellis later placed the deceased cat in a freezer while making arrangements for its disposal.”

Colavolpe said officers saw that the dog was severely matted and appeared emaciated and malnourished.

“The two surviving cats also appeared emaciated, malnourished, and fearful,” Colavolpe wrote. “A necropsy conducted on the deceased cat revealed, among other findings, severe emaciation, muscle wasting, and dehydration.”

Grant, 25, and Ellis, 22, were each charged with four counts of cruelty to animals. Both were released after posting $15,000 bonds and are scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on June 25.

The arrests were part of a targeted warrant enforcement operation conducted by the Wallingford Police Department during the week of June 8, according to Colavolpe.

Colavolpe said the initiative focused on locating and apprehending people with active arrest warrants who either live in Wallingford or were wanted for offenses committed within the town.

“The operation was highly successful, resulting in the arrest of 16 individuals,” Colavolpe wrote. “Those taken into custody were wanted on a variety of charges, ranging from property crimes to more serious offenses.”

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