Cheshire council faces backlash over animal neglect and management failures at dog pound

Concerns over animal welfare took center stage at the Cheshire Town Council meeting on March 11, 2025, as residents voiced outrage over the treatment of dogs at the local animal control facility. The tragic case of a dog named Tiny, who suffered from severe neglect and ultimately had to be euthanized, sparked a passionate outcry from community members demanding accountability and change.

During the meeting, several speakers detailed the horrific conditions that Tiny and other dogs endured while under the care of the Cheshire Animal Control. A pathology report revealed that Tiny had been suffering from generalized demodectic mange, chronic dental disease, and malnutrition, conditions that could have been treated had he received timely veterinary care. "If Tiny had had the appropriate medical treatment, he could have been saved," one resident lamented, highlighting the negligence that led to his suffering.

Witnesses, including former animal control officers and veterinarians, described a pattern of neglect at the facility, where dogs were reportedly fed inappropriate diets, received inadequate medical attention, and lived in unsanitary conditions. One former officer recounted how Tiny was fed dry food despite being unable to eat it, while another noted that the kennels were cleaned with bleach while dogs remained inside, raising serious concerns about their safety and well-being.

The emotional testimonies culminated in calls for the immediate suspension or firing of the animal control officer responsible for the neglect. Residents expressed frustration over the lack of action from the town council, with one speaker questioning, "Why is she still allowed to work?" The council's silence on the matter, attributed to ongoing investigations, only fueled the community's anger.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the residents of Cheshire are united in their demand for justice for the animals and accountability for those responsible for their care. The council faces mounting pressure to address these serious allegations and implement necessary reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in their care.