State Moves To Claim Custody Of 65 Goats Seized From Redding Home

REDDING, CT — The state is moving to assume custody of 65 injured and neglected goats seized from a Redding resident earlier this month.

On March 10, agents from the state Department of Agriculture, assisted by the Redding Police Department, executed a search and seizure warrant for the goats located at 147 Cross Highway residence of Nancy Burton.

The goats are currently being evaluated and treated by a veterinarian and are in temporary custody of the state.

The motion filed in Hartford Superior Court on behalf of the Department of Agriculture seeks permanent state custody of the animals. The motion also requests the court to order Burton to provide daily compensation to the Department of Agriculture for the temporary care of the animals.

"State intervention is never our first choice. Resources and assistance are available to animal owners in need. That support was repeatedly offered and refused in this case. We are now left with no option but to seek permanent state custody to protect the health and safety of these goats and to get them the care they deserve," said Attorney General Tong.

During execution of the search and seizure warrant on March 10, authorities discovered between 40-50 dead goats in multiple locations of the property in various stages of decomposition in plastic bags, piled underneath a tarp, inside trash containers, and partially buried, according to a news release from the AG's Office. One recently deceased goat was found in a shelter, with straw around its hooves and displaced in a semi-circle pattern carved into the ground, indicating that the animal had been struggling for a significant amount of time before expiring. Authorities observed that the goats lacked adequate water. Several struggled to walk and needed medical attention. Some were visibly underweight, with missing or matted fur caked with mud and manure, according to the Attorney General.

"Ensuring the health and welfare of domestic animals and livestock is a cooperative effort among multiple parties, including the town, our agency and the Attorney General to intervene and respond to these situations," said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt.

The Redding Police Department has received more than 120 complaints regarding roaming goats and violations of local ordinances since 2007, according to the Attorney General's Office. During that same period, the Department of Agriculture also received five complaints related to the condition of goats at the property and lack of care. On April 20, 2020, Redding Police investigated a car accident in which one of the goats was roaming in the road and was struck by a car. Burton was arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Her case is ongoing in Danbury Superior Court.