After a month-long investigation into an animal hoarding incident, on May 28 the Windsor Police Department arrived at a residence in Windsor to help with the surrender of an inappropriate number of animals. What started as concerned neighbors calling for welfare checks quickly became more dire, as Windsor Police Officer Justin Abualjadail, through his investigation, found that the homeowners in question were in possession of an unhealthy amount of animals: 28 dogs, 14 cats, 11 guinea pigs, 40 sugar gliders, four rabbits, and 68 birds. The identities of the occupants have not been released, and no charges have been filed, although the matter remains under investigation, Abualjadail said.
At 9 a.m. on the day in question, representatives of the Windsor Police Department, Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, Windham County Humane Society, Humane Society of Chittenden County, Springfield Humane Society, Bradford Veterinary Clinic, and HEART Wildlife Removal executed the surrender operation, removing caged animals from the mobile home.
Jackie Stanley, executive director of the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society in West Windsor, spoke to the Standard about the surrender and the status/relocation of the seven dogs, six guinea pigs, and twelve sugar gliders that her organization took from the home.
Stanley said, “I want to make it clear that this was not an animal rescue but an animal surrender. The home surrendered the animals to local police and shelters immediately. It was a fairly routine process, and I cannot speak more highly of the Windsor Police Department.”
She continued, “It did require some maneuvering on our part, making sure the sugar gliders received the proper care and the seven dogs of differing breeds with various medical conditions were given the right treatment. Thankfully, many organizations showed up to help, even our local VINS took in some of the birds found in the home. As for Lucy Mackenzie, we are working tirelessly to ensure these animals are recovered enough to go forward with adoption and rehoming. I know our community will continue to show up and support these animals throughout this difficult process.”
Currently, all animals from the surrender in Lucy Mackenzie’s care are healing excellently and will be available for adoption as early as next week. Stanley concluded, “Our vets have spayed and neutered the animals, as well as vaccinated them and stitched up any cuts. We are hopeful that these animals will go on to find their forever home.”
