Town to Residents: Don't Visit Southbury Animal Shelter

[The First Selectman's Office issued the following release Friday afternoon.]

The recent events regarding the seizure of dogs by the Town of Southbury has created many challenges for the Animal Control Office of the Town. This has been compounded by some inappropriate comments by individuals encouraging people to visit the animal shelter. We ask that the public refrain from coming to the site unless they have prior permission from the Animal Control office. This is to protect the animals and the citizens.

The dogs that were collected were upset by their situation and are under active medical care for many different maladies. Having more visitors at this time is not helpful to their recovery. In addition, the location of the animal shelter at the back end of the Public Works garage means that people must go through an active area with many large trucks and heavy duty vehicles. Public safety is a concern.

The Town is working with the State Department of Agriculture to make sure that our facility is appropriate. They are well aware of the situation. They have visited the site and made recommendations which have been implemented.

Our animal control staff has done a phenomenal job of handling this situation including the active care of 31 dogs with a myriad of medical problems. We appreciate the public’s cooperation by staying away from the site so they can focus on the work that needs to be done.