Frustrations mounting in Westport over animal cruelty case

Westport’s Board of Selectman was hammered with question after question Monday night from angry residents months after the discovery of what’s being called the largest case of farm animal cruelty in the Northeast. The biggest issue repeatedly brought up was the fact that animals have been seen back on the property over the last few weeks.

"I’m feeling like there is a such a massive problem in this town. I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Jodi Greenleaf.

Chair R. Michael Sullivan says the return of animals was anticipated because there’s no court order in place preventing them from the property.

"We have limited powers with regard to accessing the property,” said Sullivan. “Note that there is no injunction in place."

Police tell ABC 6 News the property is rat infested and covered in feces up to 12 inches deep in some spots. We’re told a number of structures on the larger property have been condemned and ordered demolished.

The Board of Health did send a letter to the property owner about the rats, but there was criticism at the meeting from the Board of Selectman as to how quickly the rat problem was actually addressed. That tension between the two boards was a major issue for many residents we caught up with after the meeting.

"Not one of the departments seem to be on the same page and that is incredibly frustrating. It is humiliating for Westport as a whole,” said Lauri Manory.

Police say up to 24 people could face criminal charges. Detective Jeff Majewski says he can’t comment on the court proceedings that are underway, but he did say the case is in motion.

(C) WLNE 2016