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- Connecticut, USA -


Following a cruelty to animals investigation, the Winchester Police Department announced the arrest of 28-year-old SARAH ANNE SMOLAK (pictured).


Police said that on the early morning of March 18, 2025, officers went to a residence on 86 Strong Terrace in Winsted and served two arrest warrants for SMOLAK. Police explained the warrants were part of a joint investigation by the Department, the Town of Harwinton Regional Animal Control Department, and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Animal Control Officers.


The investigation further led to the removal of twenty-seven (27) dogs who are being “examined, housed, and cared for locally”, said police.


The investigation into SMOLAK was launched in February 2025, shortly after she moved to Winsted when Winchester Police received a complaint from AMA Animal Rescue, regarding one of its foster dogs, a Pitbull named Marshmallow. AMA is based in Brooklyn, New York.


AMA Animal Rescue told police they entrusted Marshmallow to SMOLAK in December 2024, but Marshmallow had since disappeared and SMOLAK refused to disclose his whereabouts.


SMOLAK is charged with two counts of cruelty to animals. She was released after her arraignment on the condition to not “possess” animals.


According to a warrant for SMOLAK’s arrest, she is accused of failing to get medical treatment for Pancake and Seraphine, two dogs she had been “fostering” for animal rescue groups.


Pancake had a serious gastronomical issue causing her to lose weight but SMOLAK said it was due to her throwing up. SMOLAK took Pancake to a vet and it was determined that Pancake needed surgery. The vet reported that SMOLAK first attempted to leave with Pancake and then left leaving the furvictim behind. The vet alerted the authorities, and Pancake underwent surgery and thankfully recovered.


A second warrant described Seraphine’s condition after staying with SMOLAK for a period of time. According to the warrant, Seraphine suffered from hair loss, had open sores, was limping, and her spine and rib cage were visible.


Marshmallow was not among the twenty-seven dogs removed from SMOLAK's home on Tuesday and is still missing. AMA is offering a $2,500 reward for information on his whereabouts.


In a Facebook post AMA Animal Rescue said:

AMA Animal Rescue acknowledges the arrest of Sarah Smolak by the Winchester Police Department on charges of animal cruelty and urges law enforcement and the public to remain vigilant in the ongoing search for Marshmallow, a missing dog last known to be in Smolak’s care.

According to the Winchester Police Department’s official press release, Smolak was arrested on two counts of animal cruelty, and twenty-four dogs were seized from her custody. This arrest confirms what we and countless animal advocates have long feareddogs in Smolak’s care have suffered neglect, abuse, and even disappearance. In recent weeks, pet owners and animal rescues from across the country have come forward with similar horror stories about their animals, and we believe there are many more victims.

While we are relieved that Smolak has finally been held accountable for her actions, Marshmallow is still missing. He was last entrusted to her care, and she has yet to disclose his whereabouts. We urge anyone with information to come forward immediately.”


Winchester Police Chief Christopher Ciuci expressed his gratitude to advocacy groups and area law enforcement partners from as far as Long Island, NY, who provided information and assistance.


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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Winchester Police Department. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.





- New York, USA -



On the early morning of November 1, 2024, Luis Gabriel Santamaria (pictured), went back to his apartment on 220 Montgomery Street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn from a Halloween party to find his dog murdered.


Mr. Santamaria found his beloved 2-year-old Pitbull named Kith lying lifeless on the sidewalk


In a post shared on X, the NYPD said that following the incident, its Detectives from the Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) promptly launched an investigation.


In connection with Kith’s senseless death, police arrested on November 18, 2024, 33-year-old ALBERTO MORRIS (pictured via The Post).

MORRIS was charged with reckless endangerment, aggravated cruelty to animals, torturing an animal, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and criminal mischief.


Mr. Santamaria said he had earlier got into an argument with MORRIS, and in retaliation, MORRIS broke into his apartment, grabbed Kith and threw him off the balcony.


Remembering his furbaby, Mr. Santamaria told The Post: “I had him since he was a baby, since he was 1-month old. He was literally my best friend.” And then added: “I never would have thought he would do what he did, murder my dog for no reason.”


Earlier this week at his arraignment MORRIS pled not guilty and was released without bail.

The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office said MORRIS has no prior arrests and his charges are non-bail eligible under state law, meaning he can’t be held behind bars unless convicted.

The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office tells me that MORRIS is due back in court on March 11, 2025.


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Disclaimer: This story is sourced from an official document provided to Voice For Us by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.


Pictures shared from The Post and Daily Mail.




- New York, USA -


NYPD said that on August 2, 2022, officers were investigating possible animal cruelty at a property on 77 Jefferson Street in Brooklyn.


While on the scene, the 83 Precinct Field Intelligence Team “observed a visible cloud of smoke with a strong odor coming from the building's basement door”, said police.


A further investigation led to the discovery of fourteen (14) malnourished dogs.


In connection with this case police arrested 24-years-old TRAVIS COLE.

Police did not reveal additional details about the dogs.

According to a news release, the VOICELESS VICTIMS were placed in the care of the ASPCA.


COLE was charged with several animal cruelty charges, including for alleged torture, neglect, and poisoning.


According to online court records, COLE is due back in Kings County Criminal Court on October 6, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.

Records list Mackenzie Page Koppenhofer as COLE’s defense attorney.


Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.

Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.




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