Town attorney: independent investigation finished in long-running animal control case; council told personnel steps will follow

Town Attorney Jeff D'Onofrio told the Cheshire Town Council on July 8 that an independent investigation into the town's animal control operations has been completed and that any personnel action will follow the town's collective-bargaining and legal procedures.

The update traced the case from the town's seizure of 28 dogs at 7 Edith Place in November 2022 through a sequence of civil and bankruptcy proceedings the attorney said delayed a final resolution. "In Connecticut to get legal custody, lawful possession, as well as the right to lawful ownership, you have to file an action in superior court," D'Onofrio said, summarizing why the town filed an action under the applicable statute shortly after the seizure. He said delays included the former owner's incarceration and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing that produced an automatic stay, which the town later sought relief from in order to pursue ownership issues.

Nut graf: The town attorney said the litigation and related matters are no longer active and the town has been complying with a consent order from the Department of Agriculture (DOAG). D'Onofrio said the independent investigator he retained completed interviews last week; the town has conferred with labor counsel and will follow the collective-bargaining agreement and Connecticut law before…