Hundreds of animals to be moved from Westport property beginning Tuesday
More than 900 animals will be moved beginning Tuesday morning from the Westport property that has remained the center of a massive animal abuse investigation for two weeks.
The Westport Board of Selectmen met in executive session Monday night approving the move. Detective Sgt. Tony Cestodio as well as two ASPCA representatives were inside the closed door meeting with the board.
"Starting tomorrow there are going to be teams of trucks and trailers moving the animals to a safer location,” said Cestodio.
Two weeks back, hundreds of animals including horses, cows, cats and dogs were found living in squalor on the property of Route 177. Dozens of those animals had to be put down.
Several different people own the plots of land where the animals lived. A few have received their animals back, but most farmers are still unaware of their animals fate.
A group of them gathering outside of the meeting looking for answers.
"I feel very bad. They are keeping my animals for no reason at all. They are all healthy I don’t know why they are doing that,” said farmer Donald Rapoza.
The Chair of the Board, R. Michael Sullivan, says that much of the information discussed in executive session this week will be disclosed next week. Though he did give us a sense of the conversation.
"We have to set up some protocols mostly between the town and the ASPCA in order to continue with this on–going rescue operation,” said Sullivan.
Police say their investigation is very much active several people could face felony charges down the line. Cestodio says that charges are likely weeks away.
"We want to get this right,” said Cestodio.
(C) WLNE 2016
