http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_wtnh_ ... 0812101215
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Police probe possible
puppy mill
Last Edited: Wednesday, 10 Dec 2008, 5:07 PM EST
Created On: Wednesday, 10 Dec 2008, 12:12 PM EST
Report by: Erin Cox
Bethany (WTNH) - Dozens of dogs and birds were seized from a Bethany home and kennel Wednesday morning after the state received complaints about the condition and care of the animals.
The animals seized from the Oak Ridge Drive home include:
11 adult German Shepherds and Labradors and 38 puppies
56 birds including finches, doves, pigeons and parakeets
Approximately 50 waterfowl of various breeds and several pheasants
State police and the Department of Agriculture are conducting the investigation with the towns of East Haven, Redding, Milford and Hamden helping to remove the animals from the home.
The property belongs to Jeffery Boyarsky and he has a kennel license issued by the town of Bethany.
The Department of Agriculture launched the investigation after receiving several complaints from customers that puppies purchased from Boyarsky became sick and one had to be euthanized.
A search of the property revealed frozen water buckets, thin dogs and a puppy that appeared lethargic.
Commissioner of Agriculture F. Philip Prelli said "It appears that these animals were not receiving proper care including veterinary care and adequate water. This may have contributed to the puppies Mr. Boyarsky sold becoming sick. The department takes all animal neglect complaints seriously and acted in the best interest of these animals. The Department may pursue criminal cruelty to animal charges in this case."
Alex Boyarsky says her family loves each and every animal.
"This is a family thing. We take care of all of them. How could they do this," Alexis said. "These people should be ashamed of themselves. To just walk into someone's home and take something they have worked so hard for."
All of the seized animals are being examined by a veterinarian and will be housed in local municipal shelters pending the court case. Currently one puppy has been admitted to an animal hospital for treatment.
State officials also say they have investigated Boyarsky's operation at least five times in the past eight years.
The State Environmental Conservation Police say Boyarsky possessed birds for which he needed a game breeder's license.
Neighbors say they often heard a lot of commotion on the property.
"We always heard alot of dogs barking and seemed like there were a lot of dogs and so we always were concerned with what was going on there," said neighbor Carol Voloshin.
"Our neighbor over there, she's complained several times about the noise and whatever else," said neighbor Wesley Hook.
News Channel 8 tried to get a comment from Bodarsky, but he had no comment about the case. A family friend says they loved each and every animal.
"They have a lot of birds and dogs and it's their pleasure and these animals are well taken care of, well taken care of," said family friend, Sue Dellafiore.
No arrests have been made.