Cheshire council hears independent report that finds animal‑control failures; town pledges reforms

TOWN OF CHESHIRE — The Town of Cheshire on Monday held a special town council meeting to review an independent investigative report that found “a failure to meet the basic standards of animal care” at the municipal animal control facility, town officials said.

Town Manager Sean Kimball told the council and a packed public gallery that the report’s “findings are clear, and everyone who reads the report should be concerned and upset.” He said the town accepts responsibility for failures in the animal control division and police supervision and outlined a performance improvement plan. “I accept this responsibility as well,” Kimball said.

The report, which the town commissioned and paid about $60,000 to produce, was released to council members two days before the meeting, Kimball said. Acting Police Chief Fred Jortner described the report’s findings as undeniable. “Serious failures in animal care occurred. There’s no way to sugarcoat it,” he said, adding, “The responsibility lies with this department and with me. I accept responsibility fully.”

Why it matters: The investigation follows the seizure of animals linked to an animal cruelty case that drew sustained public attention over more than a year. Advocates and residents pressed the council for transparency, for changes to daily operations at the pound, and for accountability for employees the…