Resident charged with animal cruelty

Police removed dozens of cats, dogs from home

Torrington police announced Wednesday that a city woman was recently arrested after animal control officers, removed dozens of cats and dogs from her home, including three deceased canines.

Robin Betz, 59, of 163 Beechwood Ave., Torrington, was arrested Dec. 8 and charged with cruelty to animals and failure to have rabies vaccination for cats/ dogs, Detective Kevin Tieman said in a release Wednesday morning.

Torrington animal control officers previously investigated a complaint regarding the care of animals at the Beechwood Avenue home, Tieman said.

“The concerned party stated there are numerous cats in cages in the house as well as several cats loose in the residence with three dogs,” said Tieman. “The residence was also reported to be very cluttered with items stacked in piles throughout the home with some rooms completely filled.”

Torrington animal control officers investigated the matter and received a search-and-seizure warrant for the residence after being denied the opportunity to check out the condition of the animals.

The warrant was served Nov. 17, Tieman said.

Animal control officers removed 21 cats, three dogs, and the remains of three deceased dogs from the home.

“Most of the animals were confined to cages and did have food and water. Gathering the loose animals was difficult due to the significant amount of personal belongings piled inside the residence,” said Tieman. “All the animals will be cared for by Torrington Regional Animal Control and will be evaluated by veterinary services.”

Animal control officers are continuing to investigate the case, according to Tieman.

Betz was released on a $10,000 bond and scheduled to appear in court Dec. 18.

Robin Betz